The U.S. Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) has embarked on a groundbreaking project in aviation technology. In partnership with Boeing subsidiary Aurora Flight Sciences, DARPA is developing the X-65, a next-generation prototype aircraft designed to maneuver without the use of traditional control surfaces such as ailerons and rudders. Instead, it will rely entirely on pressurized airflows, signaling a revolutionary shift in how aircraft are controlled.

Weighing approximately 7,000 pounds and featuring a 30-foot wingspan, the X-65 will be capable of reaching speeds up to Mach 0.7. Developed under DARPA’s Control of Revolutionary Aircraft with Novel Effectors (CRANE) program, the unmanned aircraft is expected to be unveiled in early 2024, with operational flights planned for the summer of 2025.

At the core of this innovation is Active Flow Control (AFC), a system that directs pressurized air across wing surfaces to control the aircraft’s movement. By eliminating complex mechanical flight surfaces, the technology reduces weight, increases reliability, and improves overall efficiency and performance. This advancement could pave the way for lighter, more durable, and more efficient aircraft in both military and civilian aviation.

Another notable aspect of the project is the modular design of the X-65. This approach ensures that the aircraft will remain a valuable testing platform for DARPA and other agencies even after the CRANE program concludes. With this initiative, DARPA and Aurora are not only building a revolutionary aircraft but also shaping the future of aviation by pushing the boundaries of aerodynamic innovation.