Research in the fields of Aerodynamics has increased our knowledge of flight and how to design better wing surfaces. This Knowledge is being put into action by the NASA Engineers. The engineers integrated a Blended wing Body in their design, successfully creating the X-48b, a step forward in creating "quieter, cleaner, and more fuel-efficient airplanes for the future"(NASA)
The Blended Wing Design means that the entire plane is a lifting surface, not just the wings. 
This design has several advantages. The design is less noisy, so people will not be as bothered living in a house by an airport. It has better lift and uses less fuel, which may decrease the price on your plane ticket.I
However, there is no such thing as a free lunch. Disadvantages come in the package. Because of the positioning of the cargo, which creates less flight stability than the tube design. The tube design is more structurally sound than the x-48b. Also windows are not available, due to the entire plae being a wing.
Despite these disadvantages, this plane could be the aircraft of the future. As this experimental plane is unmanned, being remote controlled by a pilot on the ground, it's design will be incorporated into airliners in the near future.
Sincerely, Space Cadet
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