In brief
NASA’s X‑70 Fractal is a crewed test aircraft that can carry up to 907 kg of research payloads and will perform first flights within two years. The plane’s advanced flight‑control system aims to push aircraft maneuverability limits. It can cruise at Mach 0.75, climb to 13.7 km, and exceed 2,778 km in range.
NASA introduced its X‑70 Fractal experimental aircraft at a summit in Florida on Nov. 5, 2026, announcing a new platform for advanced flight research.
The X‑70 Fractal is a crewed aircraft designed to test cutting‑edge flight‑control technology and maneuverability that has not been demonstrated in manned flight before.
It can carry up to 907 kilograms of experimental payloads, both internally and externally, giving NASA a wide range of research and flight‐testing possibilities.
The aircraft is set to weigh 4,536 kilograms on takeoff, cruise at Mach 0.75, reach altitudes of up to 13.7 kilometers, and travel more than 2,778 kilometers on a single flight.
"The X‑70 Fractal gives NASA a crewed, high‑performance platform to test advanced flight‑control, maneuverability, and other cutting‑edge technologies in real flight," said NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman.
Isaacman added that the X‑70 is expected to complete its first flight under the NASA banner within the next two years.
This development is part of NASA’s effort to accelerate the production and testing of next‑generation aviation technologies for safer, more efficient air travel.
