NASA announced the X-70 Fractal, a new experimental crewed aircraft featuring reconfigurable flight-control technology and a modular design for quick payload swaps. Administrator Jared Isaacman revealed the program at the UP.Summit, claiming it could take flight within two years, though details about its manufacturer and exact design remain scarce. The agency's press release featured an AI-generated image of the aircraft shrouded in smoke.
Background
NASA's X-plane program has a long history of pioneering experimental aircraft, with recent years seeing renewed interest in high-speed and reconfigurable flight platforms under private sector partnerships like the Partnership for Exploration and Innovation (PEI).
- Source
- Ars Technica
- Published
- Nov 6, 2026 at 06:49 AM
- Score
- 7.0 / 10