NASA Unveils X-70 Fractal

Kennedy Space CenterNASA’s new X-70 carries a pilot and 2,000 pounds of experiments.

It gives NASA a crewed platform to test flight-control and maneuverability technologies in real flight.

NASA says it weighs 10,000 pounds at takeoff, reaches 45,000 feet and ranges about 1,500 nautical miles.

NASA released only a generated concept image, with much of the aircraft hidden in clouds.

Administrator Jared Isaacman expects first flight under the NASA banner within two years.

How each outlet framed it

The War Zone: gives the X-70's specs from NASA's release, including 2,000 lb of swappable payloads and a first flight expected within two years