The X - 65, an innovative aircraft currently under development by the United States' Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), makes use of Active Flow Control (AFC) technology. This cutting - edge technology enables the aircraft to adjust its flight attitude. Instead of relying on traditional mechanical control surfaces, it achieves this by expelling airflow through 14 compressed air nozzles located on its wings and tail.

The fuselage of this unmanned aerial vehicle has already started to take on its initial form at the West Virginia factory of Aurora, a subsidiary of Boeing. One of the standout features of this aircraft is its modular diamond - wing design. This design not only gives it a distinctive appearance but also offers significant advantages in terms of stealth performance, allowing it to potentially evade enemy radar more effectively.

Originally, the X - 65 was slated to take to the skies for its maiden flight in 2025. However, due to a series of technical challenges encountered during the development process, the project has been pushed back to late 2027. Looking ahead, the X - 65 will play a crucial role as a test platform for the CRANE project. Its primary function will be to validate the feasibility of the Active Flow Control technology, paving the way for potential future applications in the aerospace industry.