Boeing selects RTX for X-66A Sustainable Flight Demonstrator project

Photo: Boeing

RTX, an aerospace and defence specialist, has been selected by Boeing to collaborate on the X-66A flight demonstrator, part of NASA's Sustainable Flight Demonstrator project. Two RTX business units, Pratt & Whitney and Collins Aerospace, will support Boeing with Pratt & Whitney GTF engines, and Collins nacelles and engine accessories. Pratt & Whitney and Collins will also support ground and flight tests, slated to start in 2028.

The Sustainable Flight Demonstrator is part of NASA’s broader Sustainable Flight National Partnership, which is dedicated to developing the technologies needed to achieve ‘net zero’ CO₂ emissions for commercial aviation. Boeing’s X-66A programme is focused on developing the Transonic Truss-Braced Wing (TTBW) concept, which could enable significant improvements in fuel efficiency and reduced emissions for next-generation single-aisle aircraft.

Geoff Hunt, senior vice president of engineering and technology at Pratt & Whitney, said: “NASA’s Sustainable Flight Demonstrator is a leading example of how public-private partnerships can help foster the technological breakthroughs needed to deliver on the industry-wide goal of a more sustainable, ‘net zero’ future. We will work with Boeing to apply GTF engines to the X-66A and help demonstrate the potential of its pioneering truss-braced wing design.”

The GTF engine, with its revolutionary gearedfan architecture, delivers industry-leading fuel efficiency and sustainability benefits for single-aisle aircraft. With up to 20% better fuel efficiency, GTF engines have helped airlines save more than 1.4 billion gallons of fuel and over 14 million metric tonnes of CO₂ emissions since entering service in 2016. GTF engines are certified to operate with sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and offer up to a 75% reduction in aircraft noise footprint compared to previous generation engines.

Pushing the boundaries
Dr Mauro Atalla, senior vice president of engineering and technology at Collins Aerospace, said: “Collins has a long history of successful partnerships with NASA, Boeing, and Pratt & Whitney, with decades of experience pushing the boundaries of innovation in aerospace. Now, as part of the Sustainable Flight Demonstrator programme, we will work together to demonstrate new technologies and systems to support the next generation of low-emission single-aisle aircraft that will play an integral role in reducing the environmental footprint of the aviation industry.”

Collins’ nacelles consist of lightweight and durable composite and metallic materials that encase the engine and serve many functions, including safeguarding the engine, controlling airflow, reducing noise and facilitating thrust reversal for deceleration during aircraft landings. In addition, Collins provides the control system components for the GTF engine, including heat exchangers, the integrated fuel pump and control, the air turbine starter and electronic controls.

Dr Todd Citron, Boeing’s chief technology officer, said: “The learnings from the Sustainable Flight Demonstrator, X-66, and the partnership with NASA are important elements in the industry’s efforts to decarbonise aviation. We are grateful for the support from RTX on this critical effort.”

RTX is advancing a wide range of technologies to support the future of sustainable aviation, including engine readiness for unblended 100% SAF, hybrid-electric propulsion and hydrogen fuel.