'BLACK' WING-DESIGN PROJECT REVEALED

Internet UFO Group Media Archive

From:kerry@hungerford.chch.cri.nz (Kerry Ferrand)
Title:'BLACK' WING-DESIGN PROJECT REVEALED
Source:Flight International
Date:March 05, 1996


Northrop Grumman is working on a highly classified advanced wing design

believed to be related to at least one US Department of Defense "black"

aircraft project.

The company is testing a pressurised-wing concept, using rapid

prototyping methods at its B-2 division plant in Pico Rivera, California.

The "distributed-exhaust" system, as the concept is also known, is

believed to be tied to advanced design work on classified military

programmes, including a low-observable special-forces transport.

Northrop Grumman declines to comment, saying only that it is potentially

aimed at "several commercial and military applications". The work was

revealed when a design-equipment supplier inadvertently released

information on its part in the programme.

The US design uses pressurised air bled from the engine pumped through

the upper surface of the wing.