A coalition of five airlines has signed on to help Boeing and NASA develop the X66A ‘Transonic Truss-Braced Wing’ demonstrator that Boeing is creating from a retired MD90. The airlines will provide input about operational efficiencies, maintenance, handling and airport compatibility.
The plane, which features an unusual configuration with struts supporting the long and ‘skinny’ wings, is being built at Boeing’s Palmdale, California plant and is focused on creating a viable airliner with net-zero aviation greenhouse gas emissions.
While it is only a concept and prototype that might not result in a commercial plane, Boeing’s CEO is on the optimistic side, telling press that “If it matures the way we think it will—and NASA thinks it will—I do think it will see service.” Boeing is believed to be working on a 737 replacement for the mid-2030s, and might hope the X66 will point the way.
