X-57 'Maxwell' Moves To Next Stage Of Development NASA is involved in all kinds of aeronautical projects that aren't strictly space driven. NASA is working on speed and defeating the sonic boom phenomena with the X-59 QueSST project with Lockheed Martin and they are also working on the X-57 'Maxwell' Project. So what is the Maxwell Project? This project is more about having a platform to examine cleaner and more energy-efficient aircraft. With the platform -which is a highly modified Tecnam 2006T- NASA can test and determine the airworthiness of electrified aircraft technologies, including battery technology, electric motor capabilities, as well as distributed electric propulsion.
"The X-57 project has made substantial contributions to the field of electric aircraft propulsion as an initial pathfinder building a knowledge base of expertise that is influencing industry standards and contributing to future electric vehicle demonstrations," said Heather Maliska, the X-57 project manager at NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards, California. Future electric aircraft will benefit from alot of the data that goes into new technology for this emerging sector. NASA is about to swap out the two Rotax gasoline-powered engines with 14 electric motors! For more information: NASA Headquarters 300 E. Street SW, Suite 5R30 Washington, DC 20546 www.nasa.gov ***
