After failing to develop sufficiently reliable engines, NASA abandoned the project to create an experimental X-57 Maxwell aircraft with electric motors. This was announced at a special briefing hosted by NASA spokesperson Bradley Flick.
“Unfortunately, we have identified a potential malfunction in the vehicle’s propulsion system. It may pose an unacceptable risk to the pilot and maintenance personnel on the ground. Fixing this fault will result in significantly delaying the project and extending it beyond the current fiscal year,” the official said.
To solve this problem, additional funding will be required, which is not included in the current budget. Therefore, the agency decided to correct the error and not allocate additional funds.
Other NASA officials have also confirmed that the X-57 engines are experiencing constant breakdowns and performance issues. In their view, the overly ambitious project was trying to solve too many new engineering problems at once.
The 14 X-57 Maxwell propeller motors had to be powered by rechargeable lithium-ion batteries weighing 362 kg. This aircraft was supposed to serve as an indicator of the possibilities of creating aircraft of this class.
Earlier to create An ancient Roman amphora with poems by the ancient poet Virgil was discovered in Cordoba.