Reports indicate that Boeing has reallocated its engineering staff to support ongoing commercial development programs and expedite aircraft deliveries.
According to a memo to program staff first seen by The Air Current, engineers have been redirected to the 737-7, 737-10, 777-9, and 777-8 freighter programs, shifting away from the experimental X-66A project.
The X-66A, also known as the Transonic Truss-Braced Wing (TTBW) demonstrator aircraft, is part of NASA’s Sustainable Flight Demonstrator (SFD) program. Based on a heavily modified McDonnell Douglas MD-90, it features extra-long, thin wings braced by diagonal struts, creating space to “eventually accommodate advanced propulsion systems that are limited by a lack of underwing space in today’s low-wing airplane configurations.”
The original timeline envisioned the demonstrator’s maiden flight as taking place in 2028, with a production aircraft ready during the following decade. However, this plan might be affected as Boeing works to meet customer commitments.
“It is critically important that we meet our commitment to customers on 737-7, 737-10, 777-9 and 777-8F and on airplane deliveries,” Boeing said in an emailed statement to Reuters.
Boeing has reportedly discussed the reassignment plan with NASA, which has offered additional personnel to help maintain progress on the X-66A.