N3-X hybrid wing aircraft. Artwork illustrating an aircraft design concept developed by NASA. This design is of a type called a hybrid (or blended) wing body. The wing blends seamlessly into the body of the aircraft, which makes it extremely aerodynamic and dramatically reduces fuel consumption, noise and emissions. Such concepts are tested in computer simulations and as models in wind tunnels. The N3-X uses superconducting motors and electric generators (gas turbines on wingtips) to power and drive distributed fans (in nacelle across rear of aircraft). The initial development of the N3-X design took place between 2009 and 2013.