Nasa's experimental new plane will 'allow for new kinds of research'

WorldSpace
7 Nov 2026 • 12:47 AM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

Nasa's experimental new plane will 'allow for new kinds of research'

  • Nasa has unveiled a new experimental aircraft, the X-70 Fractal, designed to test cutting-edge flight control and manoeuvrability technologies in crewed flight.
  • The plane features a modular design capable of carrying up to 910kg of internal and external experimental payloads for rapid scientific testing, that should allow for new kinds of research.
  • Key specifications include a maximum range of 1,726 miles, an operating altitude of up to 45,000 feet, and a cruise speed of 75 per cent of the speed of sound.
  • Expected to make its maiden flight within the next two years, the aircraft joins a long line of experimental American X-planes dating back to 1944.
  • Nasa released minimal design details alongside the announcement, sharing only an AI-generated image depicting the aircraft shrouded in fog.

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