NASA is building a new battery-powered experimental airplane nicknamed “Maxwell” that will be more efficient, quieter and will benefit travellers by reducing flight times, fuel usage, as well as overall costs.
With 14 electric motors turning propellers and all of them integrated into a uniquely-designed wing, NASA will test new propulsion technology using an experimental airplane now designated the X-57 and nicknamed “Maxwell.”
“With the return of piloted X-planes to NASA’s research capabilities which is a key part of our 10-year-long New Aviation Horizons initiative the general aviation-sized X-57 will take the first step in opening a new era of aviation,” said NASA Administrator Charles Bolden.
As many as five larger transport-scale X-planes also are planned as part of the initiative. Its goals like the X-57 include demonstrating advanced technologies to reduce fuel use, emissions and noise, and thus accelerate their introduction to the marketplace.
“Maxwell” will be powered only by batteries, eliminating carbon emissions and demonstrating how demand would shrink for lead-based aviation fuel still in use by general aviation.