NASA unveils X-70 Fractal experimental aircraft research platform

NASA has announced a new experimental aircraft designated as the X-70 Fractal, according to reports from Ars Technica and The Verge. NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman revealed the aircraft during the UP.Summit held at the Kennedy Space Center, Ars Technica reported. The Verge reported that the announcement adds to NASA's historical X-series of experimental aircraft, which previously included the Bell X-1 and the X-59 quiet supersonic demonstrator. [1][2]

The X-70 Fractal is designed as a high-performance and adaptable research platform for next-generation aviation technologies, according to The Verge. Ars Technica reported that the aircraft will feature reconfigurable flight-control technology alongside a modular design for swapping different payloads. Both outlets reported that the aircraft is expected to take flight within the next two years. [1][2]

Much of the aircraft design and development timeline remains unknown, Ars Technica reported. Ars Technica and The Verge both noted that NASA accompanied the announcement with an apparently AI-generated promotional image of the X-70 shrouded in smoke. [1][2]