NASA首度公開X-70「碎形」實驗機　模組化設計探索新世代飛行控制技術

照片

NASA首度公開新型X-70「碎形」實驗機（圖片取自NASA網站）

美國國家航空暨太空總署（NASA）首度公開新型X-70「碎形」（Fractal）實驗機概念圖。這款採用有人駕駛與模組化設計的高性能飛行研究平台，將用於驗證先進飛行控制、航空器機動性及其他前瞻技術。NASA預計，X-70將在未來兩年內完成首飛，為有人航空器的飛行技術研究開拓新的測試平台。

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has unveiled the first concept image of its new X-70 Fractal experimental aircraft. Designed as a piloted, modular, high-performance research platform, the aircraft will be used to evaluate advanced flight controls, aircraft maneuverability, and other emerging technologies. NASA expects the X-70 to make its first flight within the next two years, providing a new test platform for research into the future of piloted aviation.

外傾尾翼搭配氣泡座艙　展現特殊氣動構型

Canted Tail and Bubble Canopy Define Its Distinctive Configuration

NASA此次釋出的電腦生成概念圖，呈現X-70具有外傾尾翼、氣泡型座艙罩，以及類似戰鬥機的主翼配置，整體外型與傳統飛行研究機有所不同。NASA將X-70定位為高性能有人駕駛實驗平台，強調其研究重點不僅是驗證新型飛行控制技術，也將探索有人航空器在過去飛行測試中未曾展現的機動能力。

The computer-generated concept image released by NASA depicts the X-70 with canted tail surfaces, a bubble canopy, and wings resembling those of a fighter aircraft. Its overall configuration differs from that of conventional research aircraft. NASA describes the X-70 as a high-performance piloted experimental platform, emphasizing that its mission will extend beyond testing new flight control technologies to exploring maneuvering capabilities not previously demonstrated in piloted flight.

最高飛行高度4.5萬呎　可攜帶模組化實驗酬載

Operating Ceiling of 45,000 Feet and Modular Research Payload Capacity

依NASA公布的規格，X-70起飛重量約1萬磅（約4,536公斤），巡航速度可達0.75馬赫，最高飛行高度為4.5萬呎（約13,716公尺），航程超過1,500浬（約2,778公里）。在實驗任務配置方面，X-70可於機體內部及外部攜帶總重達2,000磅（約907公斤）的模組化實驗酬載，並能依照不同測試需求快速更換設備。

According to specifications released by NASA, the X-70 has a takeoff weight of approximately 10,000 pounds (4,536 kilograms), a cruising speed of Mach 0.75, an operating ceiling of 45,000 feet (13,716 meters), and a range exceeding 1,500 nautical miles (2,778 kilometers). For research missions, the aircraft can carry up to 2,000 pounds (907 kilograms) of modular experimental payloads internally and externally, with equipment designed for rapid replacement according to specific test requirements.

此外，X-70將配備先進且可快速調整的飛行控制技術，使研究人員能依據不同測試項目調整飛行控制設定，在廣泛操作條件下進行飛行研究。透過模組化酬載與可調整控制系統，該平台有望支援多種不同的航空技術驗證任務。

The X-70 will also feature advanced, rapidly reconfigurable flight control technology, allowing researchers to adjust control settings for different test objectives and conduct flight research across a broad range of operating conditions. Its modular payload architecture and adaptable control system are expected to support a variety of experimental aviation technologies.

非傳統飛行控制方式成研究焦點　實際測試項目仍待確認

Non-Traditional Flight Control Methods May Be a Key Research Focus

從X-70的模組化設計與飛行控制定位來看，外界推測，該機未來可能用於測試多種非傳統飛行操縱技術，例如舉升風扇（Lift Fan）、向量推力（Thrust Vectoring）、變形機翼（Morphing Wings），以及氣體噴射飛行控制（Air-Bursted Flight Controls）等。這些技術可透過改變推力方向、機翼形狀或氣流作用方式，探索不同於傳統舵面控制的航空器機動方式。

Based on the X-70’s modular architecture and flight control objectives, observers speculate that the aircraft could eventually be used to test various non-traditional flight control technologies. Potential areas of research may include lift fans, thrust vectoring, morphing wings, and air-bursted flight controls. These technologies could explore alternative approaches to aircraft maneuverability by changing thrust direction, wing geometry, or airflow, rather than relying solely on conventional aerodynamic control surfaces.

不過，NASA目前公布的資訊尚未確認上述技術是否列入X-70的正式測試項目，相關應用仍須等待後續說明。若能如期完成首飛並展開測試，X-70將為NASA研究新型飛行控制與高機動性有人航空器提供重要實驗平台，也有助於評估未來航空器設計的更多可能性。

NASA has not yet confirmed whether these technologies are included in the X-70’s official test program, and further details will be needed to establish its specific research objectives. If the aircraft completes its maiden flight as planned and proceeds into testing, the X-70 could provide an important platform for NASA to investigate advanced flight controls and highly maneuverable piloted aircraft, while examining new possibilities for future aircraft design.