NASA X-57 Maxwell
ESAero is the only small business to be awarded as the prime contractor for a manned X-plane in NASA’s history
NASA’s X-57 Maxwell Powers Up
NASA’s X-57 Maxwell all-electric aircraft reached another milestone toward its first flight with the successful installation of two 400-pound lithium-ion battery packs in the cabin of the plane.
NASA Releases Concept Images of All-electric X-57 in Final Configuration
X-57, which is NASA’s first piloted X-plane in two decades, is seen here in its final all-electric configuration, known as Modification IV, or Mod IV.
Key Technologies
Lithium-ion Batteries
X-57 is powered by 860 lbs. of lithium-ion batteries, specially redesigned to isolate potential overheating issues. The batteries feature 69.1kWh energy usage and 47kWh usable energy.
High-aspect Ratio Wings
Starting in Mod III, X-57's design features a skinnier, high-aspect ratio wing. This wing design features a large reduction in area, and wing loading increasing from 17 lbf/sqft to 45 lbf/sqft.
Cruise Motors & Propellers
X-57’s electric cruise motors are inboard on Mod II. Those same motors are repositioned to the wingtips for the Mod III and IV designs. The air-cooled, out-runner cruise motors feature 60 kW of power each, and 5 ft diameter propellers.
High-Lift Motors & Propellers
The X-57 Mod IV design features smaller, 10.5kW, high-lift motor propellers along the wing's leading edge. These motors, and 1.9-foot diameter propellers, are powered to generate lift for the aircraft. Once in cruise, the propellers fold to reduce drag.