DARPA’s air-steered X-65 jet

Boeing subsidiary Aurora Flight Sciences is set to manufacture the X-65, an experimental DARPA aircraft that utilizes active flow control (AFC) technology instead of traditional flaps and rudders. The AFC technology uses directed jets of pressurized air to maneuver the aircraft and has the potential to revolutionize aircraft design by reducing weight, improving aerodynamics, and reducing mechanical complexity. The X-65 will undergo flight tests to compare the performance of AFCs with traditional control mechanisms. The aircraft will also have a modular design, allowing for the swapping of parts for future test flights and different AFC designs. The manufacturing phase is underway, with flight testing expected in 2025.

https://www.theregister.com/2024/01/04/darpas_airsteered_x65_jet_heads/

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