Transformed X-48c Flies Successfully

Aug. 7, 2012

Michael Braukus
Headquarters, Washington
202-358-1979
michael.j.braukus@nasa.gov

Gray Creech
Dryden Flight Research Center
661-276-2662
gray.creech-1@nasa.gov

Tom Koehler
Boeing Research & Technology Communications
425-373-2921
thomas.j.koehler@boeing.com


RELEASE: 12-259

TRANSFORMED X-48C FLIES SUCCESSFULLY

Edwards AFB, Calif. -- The remotely piloted X-48C aircraft
successfully flew for the first time Tuesday at Edwards Air Force
Base in California's Mojave Desert.

The aircraft, designed by The Boeing Co. and built by Cranfield
Aerospace Limited of the United Kingdom, is flying again in
partnership with NASA. The new X-48C model, which was formerly the
X-48B Blended Wing Body aircraft, was modified to evaluate the
low-speed stability and control of a low-noise version of a notional,
future Hybrid Wing Body (HWB) aircraft design. The HWB design stems
from concept studies being conducted by NASA's Environmentally
Responsible Aviation project of future potential aircraft designs 20
years from now.

"We are thrilled to get back in the air to start collecting data in
this low-noise configuration," said Heather Maliska, X-48C project
manager at NASA's Dryden Flight Research Center. "Our dedicated team
has worked hard to get the X-48C off the ground for its first flight
and we are excited learning about the stability and control
characteristics of this low-noise configuration of the blended wing
body."

Primary changes to the C model from the B model, which flew 92 flights
at Dryden between 2007 and 2010, were geared to transforming it to an
airframe noise-shielding configuration. External modifications
included relocating the wingtip winglets inboard next to the engines,
effectively turning them into twin tails. The aft deck of the
aircraft was extended about 2 feet to the rear. Finally, the project
team replaced the X-48B's three 50-pound thrust jet engines with two
89-pound thrust engines.

Because handling qualities of the X-48C will be different from those
of the X-48B, the project team developed flight control system
software modifications, including flight control limiters to keep the
airplane flying within a safe flight envelope. This will enable a
stronger and safer prototype flight control system suitable for
future full-scale commercial hybrid or blended wing aircraft.

"We are very pleased to begin flight tests of the X-48C," said Mike
Kisska, Boeing X-48C project manager. "Working with NASA, we've
successfully passed another milestone in our work to explore and
validate the aerodynamic characteristics and efficiencies of the
blended wing body concept."
Additionally, the upc
oming flight experiments with the X-48C will help researchers further
develop methods to validate the design's aerodynamics and control
laws, including a goal of reducing aerodynamic drag through engine
yaw control tests.

During the planned second block of flight testing this fall, NASA will
test engine yaw control software incorporated in the X-48C's flight
computer. This research will use asymmetric engine thrust to create
yaw, or nose left or right movements, for trim and for relatively
slow maneuvers.
NASA's Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate and Boeing are funding
the X-48 technology demonstration research effort, which supports
NASA's goals of reduced fuel burn, emissions and noise.

The X-48C retains most dimensions of the B model, with a wingspan just
longer than 20 feet, and a weight of about 500 pounds. The aircraft
has an estimated top speed of about 140 mph, and a maximum altitude
of 10,000 feet.

The Air Force Research Laboratory, Dayton, Ohio, also is a member of
the project team.

For more information about the Aeronautics Research Mission
Directorate, visit:

http://www.aeronautics.nasa.gov


-end-



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