Lockheed Martin X-56

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Simulated flight of Lockheed Martin X-56A

The Lockheed Martin X-56A[1] is a modular unmanned aerial vehicle designed to explore high altitude, long endurance (HALE) flight technologies for use in future military unmanned reconnaissance aircraft, as well as contributing knowledge to the future X-54 low-boom supersonic research programme, and future low emissions transport aircraft.

History [edit]

Designed by Lockheed Martin's Advanced Development Programs, known informally as the Skunk Works,[2] the aircraft was first revealed by Aviation Week,[3] and is intended to research active flutter suppression and gust-load alleviation technologies. The X-56A is based on Lockheed's earlier UAV work, showing influence from the Polecat, Sentinel and DarkStar UAVs. The programme calls for the construction of two 7.5 feet (2.3 m)-long fuselages and a wingspan of 27.5 ft,[4] with four sets of wings being constructed for flight testing.

References [edit]

  1. ^ "X-56A". www.lockheedmartin.com. Retrieved 15 September 2012. 
  2. ^ "Introducing the X-56A MUTT: Who Let the Dog Out?". NASA. Retrieved 15 September 2012. 
  3. ^ Norris, Guy. "USAF Reveals Skunk Works-Designed X-56A As Latest X-Plane". aviationweek. Retrieved 15 September 2012. 
  4. ^ "Lockheed Martin X-56A Multi-utility Aeroelastic Demonstrator". www.hitechweb.genezis.eu. Retrieved 15 September 2012. 

External links [edit]