Designing an X-plane with FIW technology
A new vertical lift concept published by Aurora Flight Sciences depicts a scalable technology for airborne logistics in locations without a prepared runway. The Boeing company says its proposed X-plane uses fan-in-wing (FIW) technology to provide high-speed, runway-independent mobility.
FIW technology combines an embedded lift fan with a blended wing body design to enable vertical lift agility without sacrificing the payload capacity and aerodynamic efficiency associated with today’s fixed wing aircraft.
The team is currently designing an uncrewed demonstrator with a 13.7 m wingspan and 454 kg payload capacity. This technology could be scaled to medium and heavy lift aircraft, creating a future family of systems, e.g. a manned, 39.6 m wingspan aircraft with four lift fans and 12 m payload bay. (ah)