The X-48C Hybrid / Blended Wing Body technology demonstrator lifts into the skies after taking off from the bed of Rogers Dry Lake at Edwards Air Force Base on its first test flight, August 7, 2012. Boeing Phantom Works, NASA and the Air Force Research Laboratory have joined together to study the structural, aerodynamic and operational advantages of the Hybrid or Blended Wing Body concept, a cross between a conventional aircraft and a flying wing design. The new X-48C model was modified to evaluate the low-speed stability and control of a low-noise version of a notional, future Hybrid Wing Body (HWB) aircraft design. The HWB design stems from concept studies being conducted by NASA's Environmentally Responsible Aviation project of future potential aircraft designs 20 years from now. The X-48C retains most dimensions of the B model, with a wingspan just longer than 20 feet, and a weight of about 500 pounds. The aircraft has an estimated top speed of about 140 mph, and a maximum altitude of 10,000 feet.