NASA is set to begin ground testing of its experimental, fully electric X-plane, the X-57 Maxwell, and, if successful, flight testing will be considered. The first test flights are expected in 2018, with a second launch planned for 2020. The X-plane project also provides another way for NASA to work toward a number of technical challenges that will have big benefits in terms of everyday commercial aerial transportation, like boosting vehicle efficiency and lowering noise to develop planes that are far less disturbing to people on the ground. In addition, NASA said it would share all results with industry and other agencies, as well as regulatory bodies.
NASA is set to begin ground testing of its experimental, fully electric X-plane, the X-57 Maxwell, and, if successful, flight testing will be considered. The first test flights are expected in 2018, with a second launch planned for 2020. In addition, NASA said it would share all results with industry and other agencies, as well as regulatory bodies.