The Boeing X-48C research aircraft flew for the 30th and final time April 9, 2013, marking the successful completion of an eight-month flight-test program to explore and further validate the aerodynamic characteristics of the Blended Wing Body design concept. The airplane is shown here during its 22nd flight on Feb. 28, 2013.

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Photo: NASA / Carla Thomas

The NASA-Boeing X-48C Hybrid/Blended Wing Body research aircraft banks during one of the final test flights. (Photo: NASA / Carla Thomas)

Boeing Phantom Works technicians prepare the sub-scale X-48C Hybrid / Blended Wing Body technology demonstrator for its first test flight. (Photo: NASA / Carla Thomas)

A small camera seen through the left front window of the sub-scale aircraft provides visual reference to the pilot of the remotely piloted technology demonstrator. (Photo: NASA / Carla Thomas)

Two 89-pound-thrust turbojet engines housed in larger nacelles are one of the major modifications in the “C” version of the research aircraft. (Photo: NASA / Carla Thomas)