The Future of Fixed Wing Aircraft

The NASA Fundamental Aeronautics Fixed Wing Program is addressing the challenges of enabling revolutionary energy-efficient improvements in transport aircraft. Engineers and researchers are reducing noise while increasing
engine capability. Exciting new structural designs and technologies are all part of this program that will effect anyone who flies on future aircraft.

[fanozungu]

This is grate hope will see these planes in Africa as well.The world is changing in aviation dramatically, well done NASA.From SA.

[peachtrees]

Thank you thank you thank you for giving so much professional attention to the lesser-known aeronautics development going on right now. NASA makes the future exciting, as you show so beautifully here. This private pilot can't wait to see these ideas at Oshkosh 2020!

[StyleNectar]

Excellent episode! Thanks NASA for all your fantastic work!

[dannz]

Thank you for posting this great documentary, I love seeing the future being built now, working in this section of NASA must be a dream come true. Keep up the good work.

[BosonCollider]

When they talked about alternative fuels I got this weird picture in my head of airports smelling like chicken.

[Prof.Megamind.thinks.about.it.]

...just out of curiosity...
Am I supposed to believe that "Active-Wing-Control" is better than MCAS, where "...nothing can go wrong...go wrong...go..." ?

D.H.

[DANTHETUBEMAN]

You have a contrail measuring airplane 🛫, cut you can't measure chemtrails?

[drstrange]

the turbofan design in my opinion is the best and most efficient, using the current technology's of most engines used like the Rolls Royce. i would have the generator built into the engines, that would power a stack of solid state batteries (not lithium ion tech but a different type), which could reduce weight, also reducing the amount of batteries required as there is constant power being generated, once the aircraft is a cruising speed and altitude the engines could be rolled back dramatically, reducing fuel waste, noise and overall cost to companies. once the turbofans are engaged or are increased in power, a regulator could then distribute power to the turbofans that are under more load and decreasing the speed of those that aren't producing the thrust based on air pressure over the aircraft and other factors, with high torque energy efficient motors a gear system could then be used to maintain aircraft speed but with the reduction in battery usage, potentially increasing the life and charging cycles of the batteries. basically provide the energy were it is required but without causing high level of current draw, which could be a disaster as it will produce a thermal faults..or a ball of so and so tonne's falling out the sky. i have tried to explain it, but it's way better in my head. hold my beer and i'll do it.

[FoodieRSA]

EXCELLENT video! Made my synapses snap on feel good. Thank you. D

[joe]

6 Years later: Airplanes haven't changed

[SIC-SEMPER-TYRANNIS]

I'm working on a mag lev prop electric prototype personal drone with forward rotor tilt gliding capabilities.

[j.n]

12:30 EMBRAER Legacy. Nice aircraft!!!

[kevsthings]

Wing trusses were an old idea that died out and now they are the future lol

[DawgPro]

Interesting !
The process used at 2:21, can someone point me to it's name ?

[boogerking]

Does companies like boeing buy nasa's design so they could manufacture it and sell it or do they pay nasa royalties?

[Elwin]

Thank you for these thrilling designs they superb

[Doggeslife]

7 years later, and still flying the same thing. The Blended Wing Body concept will never make a good passenger aircraft.

Evacuating a BWB in an emergency could be a challenge.

No windows. I've seen concepts with windows on the leading edge, but could you imagine the passenger's response at the first large and gruespme bird strike? Even worse if the bird penetrates as they have done many times to aircraft windshields and canopies.

Passengers closer to the wing tips will feel a lot more vertical motion as the plane rolls or the wing dips and rises in turbulence.

I'm sure I could come up with more, but that will do for now. FedEx or UPS hauling cargo? Fine. American Airlines? Forget it.

[Mike]

Why not just go straight to electro revitics propulsion and use large triangle shaped crafts, that can carry 500 to 1000 passengers and cargo.
NASA's space program, already has the technology.
Has someone missed the memo.

[wilfredocoquioco]

MAYBE YOU CAN MAKE THE ENGINE THRUST VECTORING

[Elnufo]

You need some gigajillions of processors to calculate that long, thing wings are more efficient? wow.