X-48B Blended Wing Body Flight Tests Enter Second Phase
The Boeing X-48B blended wing body research aircraft is now in a second phase of flight testing involving higher speed regimes. The 21-foot wing span test aircraft is flying without its slats deployed. It now takes off and lands at speeds of about 75 knots compared to 60 knots with slats out.
Boeing X-48B progresses to slats retracted flights
Flight International reports that testing of the Boeing X-48B BWB has progressed to the part where its flying with slats retracted. The Boeing roadmap for the X-48B includes modifying the wing shape and adding engine shielding to create a quieter version, but this has not yet been approved.
The Blended Wing Body took off for the first time at 8:42 a.m. PDT and climbed to an altitude of 7,500 feet before landing 31 minutes later at NASA's Dryden Flight Research Center in Edwards Air Force Base.
Boeing Phantom Works to Lead Research on X-48B Blended Wing Body Concept
This is one of my favorite aircraft that I hope will fly one day. The Boeing X-48B Ship No. 1 will complete its wind tunnel testing in early May and will join Ship No. 2 as backup for flight testing later this year.
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