November 23, 2024
The X-56A

The X-56A
Photo: NASA photo / Jim Ross

The X-56A, Multi-Utility Technology Testbed, also known as the MUTT, was a spunky unmanned aircraft used to test the flexibility of wings and the suppression of flutter, or the phenomenon of aircraft wings vibrating in flight. According to the MUTTs project page, “The project plans to use it to fly the X-56A with a slim, flexible wing with a much higher aspect ratio than is currently used on commercial aircraft.” The first flight tests of the system took place in 2013 and 2014.

In January 2023, NASA and Boeing announced their plans for developing test aircraft for the Transonic Trussed-Braced Wing design, which could pave the way for passenger aircraft with longer, thinner wings than current jetliners, with the goal of improving fuel efficiency.

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