NASA unveils mysterious X-70 experimental aircraft using AI-generated image

NASA has announced the X-70 Fractal, a crewed experimental aircraft intended to test reconfigurable flight controls and other technologies. Its design and development remain largely undisclosed, and an indistinct, apparently AI-generated image in NASA’s announcement has added to questions about the project; administrator Jared Isaacman said it could fly within two years.

NASA says the aircraft will cruise at Mach 0.75, reach up to 45,000 feet and have a range exceeding 1,726 miles. It is expected to weigh 10,000 pounds and carry up to 2,000 pounds of experimental payloads, but no manufacturer was named. NASA may announce another X-plane on 6 November; the article also notes the X-59 has completed more than 40 test flights, including runs at Mach 1.53.