Boeing Selects RTX for X-66A NASA Sustainable Flight Demonstrator Project

Boeing has chosen RTX as a partner for NASA's project aimed at enhancing fuel efficiency and reducing emissions in future aircraft through the use of the Transonic Truss-Braced Wing (TTBW) concept.

RTX will collaborate with Boeing to develop the X-66A flight demonstrator, which is part of NASA's Sustainable Flight Demonstrator project.

Two RTX business units, Pratt & Whitney and Collins Aerospace, will provide support to Boeing by supplying Pratt & Whitney GTF engines, Collins nacelles, and engine accessories. Pratt & Whitney and Collins will also offer assistance for ground and flight tests, scheduled to commence in 2028.

The Sustainable Flight Demonstrator is a component of NASA's broader Sustainable Flight National Partnership, dedicated to developing the necessary technologies for achieving net-zero CO2 emissions in commercial aviation.

The TTBW concept has the potential to bring about significant improvements in fuel efficiency and reduced emissions for the next generation of single-aisle aircraft.

Pratt & Whitney’s GTF engine offers an improvement of up to 20% in fuel efficiency. These engines have enabled airlines to save more than 1.4 billion gallons of fuel and reduce over 14 million metric tons of CO2 emissions since entering service in 2016. GTF engines are certified for operation with sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and offer up to a 75% reduction in aircraft noise footprint compared to previous-generation engines.

Collins' nacelles are composed of lightweight and durable composite and metallic materials that encase the engine and serve various functions, including safeguarding the engine, controlling airflow, reducing noise, and facilitating thrust reversal for deceleration during aircraft landings. Additionally, Collins provides the control system components for the GTF engine, which include heat exchangers, the integrated fuel pump and control, the air turbine starter, and electronic controls.