NASA Pushes Wing Design to Find Its Structural Limits

NASA research engineer Walter Hargis regulates the 15-foot Structural Wing Experiment Evaluating Truss-bracing model in the Flight Loads Laboratory at NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards, California, on Tuesday, March 31, 2026. The model is part of NASA’s research to develop technologies for future ultra-efficient aircraft. 

NASA research engineer Walter Hargis regulates the 15-foot Structural Wing Experiment Evaluating Truss-bracing model in the Flight Loads Laboratory at NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards, California, on Tuesday, March 31, 2026. The model is part of NASA’s research to develop technologies for future ultra-efficient aircraft. 

Photographer NASA/Ryan Kline
Location AFRC
NASAAeronauticssustainabilitySFDSubsonic Flight DemonstratorFlight Loads LaboratoryAFRCArmstrong Flight Research CenterEdwards Air Force Base flight researchCaliforniastructural loads