A concept visualization for NASA’s X-57 “Maxwell” aircraft, with a distributed electric propulsion system.

A concept visualization for NASA’s X-57 “Maxwell” (named for the 19^th century Scottish scientist James Clerk Maxwell). This distributed electric propulsion system creates high-induced lift over the wing at low speeds, allowing for smaller wings. Though this aircraft is not intended for rooftop takeoffs and landings, the same approach is being used to develop vertical takeoff aircraft without the complexity, cost, and weight associated with helicopters and tiltrotors.