Guide Note

The X-48B is an experimental aircraft currently under development by Boeing and NASA that has a blended wing body construction. The blended wing body jet is more fuel efficient because it has a better lift-to-drag ratio.¹

Fast Facts

1. 8.5% scale model prototype constructed¹
2. First flight: July 20, 2007¹
3. Estimated cruising altitude: 10,000 feet¹
4. Full-sized jet will have an 800-person capacity²
5. 30% more fuel efficient compared to similarly sized aircrafts¹

A 21-foot prototype, 8.5% scale model was constructed. The model has three turbojet engines and a blended wing body. During test flights, the model was able to fly at 138 miles per hour and at altitudes of 10,000 feet.¹

In the future, the aircraft may be used by the military for bombing and transportation. It may also be developed into an 800-person capacity commercial jet.²