NASA investigates tiltwing technology for improved safety in future aerial vehicles
Boeing Leads NASA's Research on Advanced Air Mobility
NASA's Advanced Air Vehicles Program is delving into the future of air travel with a specialized model wing, developed by Boeing. This research, managed by the Revolutionary Vertical Lift Technology project, is aimed at accelerating the development of advanced air mobility aircraft designs.
The 7-foot wing model, tested in NASA's 14-by-22-Foot Subsonic Wind Tunnel at Langley, is outfitted with over 700 sensors designed to measure pressure distribution and forces acting on the components. The test provided valuable insight into how multiple propellers and the wing interact under various speeds and conditions.
Meanwhile, Archer Aviation's Midnight aircraft has made a significant leap, completing its longest piloted flight to date. Covering roughly 55 miles in 31 minutes at speeds over 126 mph, this milestone marks a promising step forward for the advanced air mobility industry.
Elsewhere, Boeing has reinforced its long-term investment in the region by launching a new Engineering Center within the Cici & Hyatt Brown Center for Aerospace Technology at Embry‐Riddle Aeronautical University's Research Park.
Not to be left behind, Woodward Inc plans to build a precision manufacturing facility in Greer, South Carolina, in Spartanburg County. This move demonstrates a commitment to supporting the rapidly growing advanced air mobility industry.
In another sustainability-focused development, Bodycote has achieved a significant milestone in its sustainability agenda, demonstrating the feasibility of 2030 decarbonisation targets and customer demand for greener practices.
GKN Aerospace, too, has earned a gold rating in EcoVadis sustainability rating, following a comprehensive evaluation of its operational sustainability practices.
Lastly, Orbex has successfully completed its first full simulation of the Prime vehicle launch. As it prepares to deliver orbital launch services from the UK next year, this key technical milestone marks an exciting step forward in the UK's space industry.
NASA's research on the specialized model wing for advanced air mobility aircraft is part of its commitment to supporting this rapidly growing industry. The data collected from the test will be released to the industry on NASA's website, furthering collaboration and innovation in the field.
