NASA Unveils Experimental X-70 Fractal Aircraft With Modular Design

NASA has unveiled a new experimental aircraft named the X-70 Fractal during the UP.Summit at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida.

NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman announced that the crewed, high-performance platform is designed to test advanced flight-control, maneuverability, and cutting-edge technologies in real flight. The aircraft features a modular design intended to allow researchers to rapidly swap internal and external payloads. According to NASA, the X-70 is designed to cruise at Mach 0.75, reach altitudes of up to 45,000 feet, and have an operational range of 1,726 miles with a takeoff weight of 10,000 pounds and a payload capacity of 2,000 pounds.

The agency expects the aircraft to make its first flight under the NASA banner within the next two years. Alongside the announcement, the agency released an AI-generated image of the aircraft rather than a photograph, which drew criticism from observers on social media. NASA has not yet disclosed further details regarding the launch date or the price of the aircraft.