Two prototype military aircraft featuring a novel composite body have been successfully tested in wind tunnels prior to flight testing later this year. The two 6.4 m (21 foot) wingspan aircraft were built for Boeing's Phantom Works by Cranfield Aerospace Ltd in the UK, in accordance with Boeing requirements and specifications. Made primarily of advanced lightweight composites (based on carbon fibre), the prototypes weigh about 181 kg (400 pounds) each. Powered by three turbojet engines, they will be capable of flying up to 222 km centre dot h~(-1) (120 knots) and 3500 m (11 500 feet) in altitude during flight testing. The long range aircraft, designated by the US Air Force as the X-48, feature an innovative design called blended wing body (BWB).
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