NASA X-57 MAXWELL

NASA Successfully Tests Telemetry Signal on Agency’s First All-Electric X-plane

Recent ground testing on NASA’s first all-electric X-plane, the X-57 Maxwell, successfully demonstrated the aircraft’s ability to transmit its telemetry signal, allowing the team the capability to track mission-critical data during flight.
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This data will be received on the ground during X-57’s flight tests, where it will be monitored in real time by the project team during flight operations, and recorded for post-flight analysis to measure X-57’s success in meeting its objectives, as NASA seeks to help set certification standards for future electric aircraft.

NASA Releases Concept Images of All-Electric X-57 in Final Configuration

The 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. This configuration will feature a skinny, high-aspect ratio wing, designed to boost efficiency by reducing drag in flight, and electric cruise motors with five-foot diameter propellers on the wingtips, to recover energy that would otherwise be lost to wingtip vortices.

• X-57 is Powered by 860lbs of Lithium Ion Batteries, Specially Redesigned to Isolate Potential Overheating Issues
• The Batteries Feature 69.1kw hoursEnergy Usage, with 47kw hours usable

• Starting in Mod III, X-57 will feature a skinnier,High-Aspect Ratio Wing, featuring a largeReduction in Area, with Wing Loading Increasing from 17 lbs/sqft to 45 lbs/sqft

• X-57’s Electric Cruise Motors are Inboard on Mod II, and Repositioning to the Wingtips for Mods III & IV
• These Air-Cooled, Out-Runner Cruise motors feature 60kW of Power each, and 5ft Diameter Propellers

• In Mod IV, X-57 will feature smaller High-Lift Motors and Propellers along the Wing’s Leading Edge, featuring 10.5kW of Power
• These Motors and 1.9ft diameter Propellers are Powered to Generate Lift for X-57 to Take off and will fold to reduce Cruise Drag