NASA made history with “X-planes” beginning with the Bell X-1—the first aircraft to maintain supersonic speeds in level flight. NASA’s key roll has always been about innovation and development of the “next big thing.” Oddly, it has been 20 years since NASA took delivery of an X-plane. In this case, the innovation is not focused on speed or altitude, but power. The X-57 is NASA’s first all-electric airplane.
Posted by Jeffrey Richmond
Mr. Richmond recently retired from the Aerospace industry as a technical writer and continues to write and research on a variety of topics including aviation and aerospace business. He spent a tour of duty as a pilot and instructor in the US Air Force, flew for a regional airline, and taught at two aviation universities. Jeff and his wife Peggy live in the country between Chattanooga and Nashville, Tennessee.