Boeing has selected RTX to work on engine development for the X-66A flight demonstrator, part of NASA’s Sustainable Flight Demonstrator project and its Transonic Truss-Braced Wing.

Pratt & Whitney and Collins Aerospace, two RTX business units, will support Boeing with Pratt & Whitney GTF engines, and Collins nacelles and engine accessories.

Pratt & Whitney and Collins will also support ground and flight tests, which are expected to start in 2028.

The Sustainable Flight Demonstrator is part of NASA’s broader Sustainable Flight National Partnership, which is dedicated to developing the technologies needed to achieve net-zero CO2 emissions for commercial aviation.

Transonic Truss-Braced Wing concept

Boeing’s X-66A programme is focused on developing the Transonic Truss-Braced Wing (TTBW) concept, which could enable significant improvements in fuel efficiency and reduced emissions for next generation single-aisle aircraft.

“NASA’s Sustainable Flight Demonstrator is a leading example of how public-private partnerships can help foster the technological breakthroughs needed to deliver on the industry-wide goal of a more sustainable, net-zero emissions future,” said Geoff Hunt, senior vice president of engineering and technology at Pratt & Whitney.

“We’ll work with Boeing to apply GTF engines to the X-66A and help demonstrate the potential of its pioneering truss-braced wing design.”

With up to 20% better fuel efficiency, GTF engines have helped airlines save more than 1.4 billion gallons of fuel and over 14 million metric tons of CO2 emissions since entering service in 2016.

“Collins has a long history of successful partnerships with NASA, Boeing, and Pratt & Whitney, with decades of experience pushing the boundaries of innovation in aerospace,” said Dr. Mauro Atalla, senior vice president, Engineering & Technology for Collins. “Now, as part of the Sustainable Flight Demonstrator program, we will work together to demonstrate new technologies and systems to support the next generation of low-emission single-aisle aircraft that will play an integral role in reducing the environmental footprint of the aviation industry.”

“The learnings from the Sustainable Flight Demonstrator, X-66, and the partnership with NASA are important elements in the industry’s efforts to decarbonise aviation,” said Todd Citron, Boeing’s chief technology officer. “We’re grateful for the support from RTX on this critical effort.”
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