X 57 Maxwell

The X 57 Maxwell is an all-electric research airplane under development by NASA. It is based on the Italian-designed Tecnam P2006T twin-engine light aircraft. The X 57 will be the first piloted airplane with its propulsion system entirely composed of electric motors. Its designed top speed is over 200 mph, and it will have a cruise speed of 170 mph while consuming only one gallon of fuel per hour. The idea for an electrically powered aircraft was conceived as part of NASA’s Environmentally Responsible Aviation project, which seeks to reduce aviation’s impact on climate change and air quality. Electric propulsion presents an opportunity to significantly reduce both emissions and noise compared to traditional piston engine-powered airplanes. In 2015, NASA selected the Tecnam P2006T as the basis for the X 57 due to its low weight and high efficiency. The original concept called for 14 electric motors – 12 on the leading edge of the wing for take-off and landing, and two larger ones in pusher configuration at the rear of the plane providing thrust during cruise flight. However, this configuration proved too complex and was revised to a more conventional layout with five motors: two on each wing driving propellers, and one in pusher configuration at the back. This new configuration retains many of the benefits of distributed electric propulsion, including lower noise levels (since there are no exposed rotating parts) and reduced drag (since there are no propeller blades sticking out from the sides of the fuselage). The first prototype is expected to fly in 2020, with flight testing planned through 2022. Ultimately, NASA hopes that technologies developed through this program will lead to quieter, more efficient regional airliners that could enter service in 2025 or 2030.