NASA – PRANDTL Flying Wing for Mars

Ortho view of Mars flying wing

This concept is a flying wing, or bodyless plane, currently being tested for a possible flight to prove the concept. It is intended to work well in the thin atmosphere of the planet Mars, and would be tested at very high altitude on Earth, where the pressure is similar.

You can find out more about the project here:

https://www.nasa.gov/centers/armstrong/features/mars_airplane.html

Here’s the current state of my quickie project, I’m still very unsure on what to do on the bottom of the craft.

Mars flying wing WIP - Front on
Mars flying wing WIP – Front on

Mars flying wing WIP
Mars flying wing WIP – Colour scheme broadly matches the test models
Mars flying wing WIP
Mars flying wing WIP , closeup of the cabin area.
Mars flying wing WIP
Mars flying wing WIP, top surface

Some of the features are clearly only going to be the on the model, (big screws for one), but I’m trying to put credible nurnies in these areas, to plreserve the look of the test version.

I’ve often thought there’s something seriously cool about flying wing designs, but howver science-fiction they look, real full scale flying wing planes have been built and flown.

Northrop XB-35
Northrop XB-35 flying wing bomber

Prop and jet engine versions were developed.

I’ve never modelled an airplane before, but I must admit I am tempted to have a go at this one.

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