AS-474 Operational Applications

ASA X-Planes
Prior to the implementation and success of new technologies, every manufacturer goes through a series
of tests and experiments for certification purposes. X-Planes are a group of experimental research aircraft
and rockets used to test new and innovative aerodynamic concepts in the United States.
X-Plane History
The X-Plane Program started with the first rocket powered airplane that broke the sound barrier in
1947, and since then has had more than 30 different projects and research designs. X-Plane is not an
exclusive program for space, (as it has even included test flights of propeller driven airplanes), but is
characterized by aircraft that are used as research tools and advancement in the aerodynamics and
astronautics fields.
New Aviation Horizons Initiative
The New Aviation Horizons Initiative is a program from NASA that specifically focuses on making
aviation’s most wild dreams come true. Whether it be electric airplanes, new delta sweptback wings or
supersonic aircraft, the Horizons program is committed to building and testing these various different
aircraft designs, molding the new era of aviation. Some innovations also include reductions in fuel use,
carbon emissions and noise levels.
Planned X-Plane Demonstrators and Timeline
The NASA X-Plane development over the past years has brought forth many innovations, and these
are backed up by a proposed budget from NASA of 10.7 billion dollars up to 2026. This budget is
expected to maintain the demonstrator airplanes running and up for testing and certification.
Hybrid Electric Demonstrator (Starc)
Electric motors attatched to turbofan engines propel this large scale sized jet, an electric motor driven
tail cone is projected to reduce drag and allow for smaller wings.
Hybrid Wing Body Demonstrator (HWB)
The design is a non-circular pressurized fuselage (which could cause trouble due to design and tension
from pressure). Its design is meant for cargo transport, and is built from various different materials.
Quiet Supersonic Test Demonstrator (Quesst)
This airplane is meant to carry about 100 passengers in supersonic flight, and for fuel efficiency it is
expected to use conventional engines with a different type of fuel.
Hybrid Electric Demonstrator (Sceptor X-57)
The X-57 is being designed for use in general aviation, and is propelled by multiple small electric
engines placed all throughout the wing. It uses the Tecnam P2006T as base for its design and operation.
APA PAPER in 6th EDITION FORMAT 2

X-Plane I Would Build and Why

I think I personally would invest in the X-57 because of fuel. An airplane that is based on an aircraft
that is already in operation has a higher chance of success, and having multiple small engines along the
wing can add to redundancy in case one fails. The main reason I would choose this airplane as well is my
concern for fuel. People need to reduce dependency on fossil fuels, and aviation contributes to a very
large part of global carbon emissions. Investing in an electric airplane that has a high chance of
succeeding can be a major footstep in the development of large electric commercial airliners.