A BWB tanker would be able to accommodate simultaneous air-to-air refueling of multiple conventional aircraft or UAVs. Equipped with three smart booms, two hose/drogue refueling points and automated refueling capabilities. One potential application is a BWB tanker for performing multi-point refueling. An aircraft of this type would have a wing span slightly wider than a Boeing 747 and could operate from existing airport terminals. Because of its efficient configuration, the BWB would consume 20 percent less fuel than jetliners of today, while cruising at high subsonic speeds on flights of up to 7,000 nautical miles. NASA and industry studies suggest that a large commercial BWB aircraft could be developed to carry 800 or more passengers however, recent studies have focused on vehicles in the 450-passenger class. Passenger and cargo areas are located within the center body portion of the aircraft. The futuristic airframe is a unique merger of efficient high-lift wings and a wide airfoil-shaped body, causing the entire aircraft to generate lift and minimize drag, thereby increasing fuel economy. The Blended Wing Body (BWB) is a hybrid shape that mainly resembles a flying wing, but also incorporates some features of a conventional airliner. They also allow for a wide variety of potential military and commercial applications. These features translate into greater range, fuel economy, reliability and life cycle savings, as well as lower manufacturing costs. Its modular design also allows for center body growth while maintaining common wings. ![]() The Blended Wing Body offers greater structural, aerodynamic and operating efficiencies than today 's more conventional tube-and -wing design. Test flights of this scale, 1,800-pound model are scheduled to begin in 2004. The X-48, a 35-foot model, was built at NASA 'a Langley Research Center. ![]() In a continuing effort to study the flight characteristics of the BWB design, a 17-foot wingspan, remote controlled model has been successfully flown. Boeing Phantom Works has studied a number of Blended Wing Body (BWB) aircraft concepts.
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