he X-57 Mod II Vehicle has been successfully delivered to NASA Armstrong. The delivery was captured in an image by NASA photographer Lauren Hughes.
NASA has recently taken delivery of its first experimental aircraft, the X-57 Mod II, which is powered entirely by electricity. This innovative aircraft, codenamed Maxwell, is being tested by NASA in anticipation of future developments in urban air mobility, also known as UAM. These small aircraft, with a capacity of nine people or less, may soon become a common sight in city environments. Through the X-57, NASA hopes to establish the standards for an industry that has yet to fully emerge.
The main contractor has provided NASA with the X-57’s Mod II, the agency’s inaugural fully electric experimental aircraft. This is considered a significant achievement, as it will enable NASA’s engineers to begin conducting ground tests on the aircraft. These tests will mark the initial phase of a lengthy process, with the ultimate goal of achieving a successful flight.
The X-57 Maxwell, based on the Italian Tecnam P2006T, has been modified with an electric propulsion system and weighs around 3,000 pounds. Out of this total weight, 860 pounds are made up of lithium-ion batteries, as reported by Popular Mechanics. The aircraft is capable of reaching a cruising speed of 172 mph when flying at 8,000 feet. Development of this project began in 2016.
According to X-57 Project Manager Tom Rigney, the delivery of the X-57 Mod II aircraft to NASA is a significant event as it marks the beginning of a new phase in the electric X-plane project. In a press statement, Rigney expressed that the possession of the aircraft will allow the X-57 team to commence thorough ground testing of the integrated electric propulsion system to ensure its airworthiness. The team also plans to share their valuable lessons learned during the process to contribute to the development of the growing electric aircraft market.
The X-57 Mod II, created by Empirical Systems Aerospace (ESAero) in San Luis Obispo, California, is a potential indication of what is to come. NASA plans to utilize this aircraft to establish certification criteria for the fast-developing market of electric flying vehicles, particularly those used for urban air mobility (UAM).
Although there is some curiosity surrounding the possibility of electric or hybrid-electric aircrafts for short distance trips, a number of the most talked-about companies in this field have encountered delays. In the meantime, the emerging market for urban air mobility (UAM) has caught the attention of both private entities such as Uber and Hyundai, as well as governments like the United Arab Emirates and Japan, who have begun testing air taxi services.
Just like autonomous vehicles, the widespread use of this technology has not yet been achieved. However, NASA is optimistic that in the event of a significant breakthrough in the industry, they will be prepared and not caught off guard.
The X-57 Mod II serves as a catalyst for the advancement of electronic aircraft with continuous funding. Should UAMs live up to their optimistic investment expectations, they have the potential to significantly transform the functioning of urban areas. NASA aims to take the lead in this discussion by prioritizing improvements in high-speed cruising efficiency, eliminating carbon emissions during flight, and reducing noise pollution for communities on the ground.