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.
As Air Force leaders consider concepts of operations for Collaborative Combat Aircraft, sustainment in the field—and easing that support by using standard parts and limiting variants—should be a key consideration, according to a new study from AFA's Mitchell Institute of Aerospace Studies.