DARPA has given the green light to Aurora Flight Sciences to build the X-65 technology demonstrator aircraft. This full-sized X-plane prototype will be used to demonstrate the viability of using active flow control (AFC) actuators for primary flight control.
What sets X-65 apart from other aircraft is its ability to use jets of air from a pressurized source to shape the flow of air over its surface. The AFC effectors on several surfaces will control the plane’s roll, pitch, and yaw, eliminating external moving parts, thus reducing weight as well as complexity. The X-plane is going to be built with two sets of control actuators – traditional flaps and rudders as well as AFC effectors embedded across all the lifting surfaces. This not only minimizes risk, but also maximize the program’s insight into control effectiveness.
- 𝗟𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘄𝗲𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗣𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 - The drone is lightweight and compact, weighing...
- 𝗡𝗼 𝗥𝗲𝗴𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗡𝗲𝗲𝗱𝗲𝗱 - Under 249 g, FAA Registration and Remote ID are not required if...
- 𝗘𝘅𝘁𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗱 𝗙𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗧𝗶𝗺𝗲 - Enjoy longer flights with DJI Mini 2 SE, which offers a 31-min max flight...
The X-65 is a technology demonstrator, and it’s distinctive, diamond-like wing shape is designed to help us maximize what we can learn about AFC in full-scale, real-world tests. The X-65 conventional surfaces are like training wheels to help us understand how AFC can be used in place of traditional flaps and rudders,” said Dr. Richard Wlezien, DARPA’s program manager for CRANE.
[Source]
