A mystery aircraft shown during a NASA presentation has sparked speculation about a new generation of extreme-speed experimental planes, but the agency has not confirmed exactly what the design represents. NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman displayed the unusual silhouette at the All-In Summit in Los Angeles while discussing plans to rebuild the agency's X-plane portfolio. The aircraft's shape immediately reminded aviation watchers of the SR-71 Blackbird, the legendary reconnaissance aircraft built for sustained flight at extreme speed and altitude.
The image appeared alongside the words “Rebuilding our X-plane portfolio”, suggesting that NASA wants to expand its experimental aviation work beyond the agency's current X-59 programme. But there is a catch. NASA has not said that the silhouette is an actual aircraft under construction.
