30% Less Fuel Consumption from New NASA Truss X-Plane

This is seriously promising and i want to add that this narrow width can be stretched vertically into a double decker at least.  this can then compete easily with the big birds.  We have two light wings bracing each other and we lose the necessary weight across the top.  Real mass disappears with all this and past the obvious hing point ,normal strength applies.

This idea has waited for theory to catch up.  now we can test this configuarion easily in wind tunnels and in a computer.

notice the brace is staggered against the main wing which surely shakes out all the aerodynamics.  The actual width is likely split to the two airfoils.  And been narrower, we likely sharply reduce drag for all three sub sections.

Rather neat actually.

30% Less Fuel Consumption from New NASA Truss X-Plane

June 19, 2023 by Brian Wang

https://www.nextbigfuture.com/2023/06/30-less-fuel-consumption-from-new-nasa-truss-x-plane.html#more-183772

The new X-plane seeks to enable a potential new generation of more sustainable single-aisle aircraft – the workhorse of passenger airlines around the world. Working with NASA, Boeing will build, test, and fly a full-scale demonstrator aircraft with extra-long, thin wings stabilized by diagonal struts, known as a Transonic Truss-Braced Wing concept.


The X-66A will validate technologies for a Transonic Truss-Braced Wing configuration that, when combined with other advancements in propulsion systems, materials, and systems architecture, could result in up to 30% less fuel consumption and reduced emissions when compared with today’s best-in-class aircraft.

Due to their heavy usage, single-aisle aircraft today account for nearly half of worldwide aviation emissions. Creating designs and technologies for a more sustainable version of this type of aircraft has the potential for profound impact on emissions.