NASA unveils experimental X-70 Fractal airplane - as it hails a 'new beginning for aeronautics'

Published: 05:09 EDT, 6 November 2026 | Updated: 05:09 EDT, 6 November 2026 NASA has unveiled a new experimental airplane, dubbed the 'X–70 Fractal'.The space agency has kept details on the aircraft sparse, but says it hails a 'new beginning for aeronautics'. '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. 'Its modular design and ability to rapidly swap internal and external payloads will keep our teams flying, learning, and moving quickly from one experiment to the next. 'We expect her first flight under the NASA banner within the next two years, and X–70 is just one part of this new beginning for aeronautics. 'This is why people come to NASA: to build, to learn, and most importantly, to fly.' NASA has unveiled a new experimental airplane, dubbed the 'X–70 Fractal'. However, instead of showing the actual plane, NASA decided to release an AI–generated image – which didn't sit well among many fans X–70 Fractal: Key specs Payload: 2,000lbsTakeoff weight: 10,000lbsCruising speed: Mach.75Altitude: 45,000 feetRange: 1,726 miles The mysterious aircraft was announced during the UP.Summit at NASA's Kennedy Space Centre in Florida. However, instead of showing the actual plane, NASA decided to release an AI–generated image – which didn't sit well among many fans. Taking to X, one said: '@NASA If you're going to introduce an aircraft, AT LEAST SHOW IT.'Another questioned: 'Why share a photo if you won’t share the photo.' And one joked: 'NASA dropping stealth aircraft teasers like Batman trailers.' According to NASA, the X–70 Fractal will be crewed, and has enough space to accomodate up to 2,000lbs of experimental payloads. It has a takeoff weight of 10,000lbs and is designed to cruise at Mach.75 – about the same as a Boeing 737. In terms of altitude, the plane can reach up to 45,000 feet, while its range is about 1,726 miles. NASA's 'Son of Concorde' supersonic jet (pictured) has broken the sound barrier for the first time, hitting a top speed of 713 miles per hour (1,150 km/h)NASA has remained tight–lipped on further details, including the launch date and price. 'For decades, NASA Aeronautics has used X–planes to develop technologies that advance aviation,' said Laurie Grindle, director of the Aeronautics Division within NASA's Research and Technology Mission Directorate. 'It's exciting to bring on another X–plane to accelerate and drive aeronautics research.' The X–70 Fractal is one of several experimental planes owned by NASA. The Bell X–1 made history in 1947, when it became the first aircraft to break the sound barrier, reaching a speed of 700 miles per hour (1,127 kilometers per hour). The X–15 then reached 4,520mph (Mach 6.7) in 1967 – a record that still stands today.Meanwhile, NASA's current X–59 quiet supersonic demonstrator has been hailed as the 'Son of Concorde'.