Picture This—a Supersonic Sweep Wing: 
The Defense Advanced Research Project Agency has selected Northrop Grumman to design the first supersonic flying wing aircraft that can change the sweep of its wing for optimal performance. DARPA is providing $10.3 million for the first phase of design for the concept, which will include a preliminary design and technology maturation effort to reduce risk of critical technologies associated with the project. If all goes well, Northrop officials say a second phase would finalize the design and lead to construction of an experimental “oblique flying wing” aircraft that might make its first flight by 2011.
The U.S. military is maintaining a beefed-up presence in the Middle East, including fighters and air defense assets, following the U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities June 22 and subsequent retaliation by the Iranians against Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar.
