Aerospace startup JetZero has won $235 million investment from the U.S. Air Force to build a demonstrator for a futuristic aircraft with a projected 50% cut in fuel consumption.
The U.S. Air Force announced a $235 million contract over a four-year period for the California startup to develop a “blended wing body” demonstrator, named because its wings merge seamlessly with the curvaceous fuselage, reducing drag by at least 30%.
“Blended wing body aircraft have the potential to significantly reduce fuel demand and increase global reach,” said Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall. “Moving forces and cargo quickly, efficiently, and over long distance is a critical capability to enable national security strategy.”
While the BWB concept has existed for decades, recent advancements in structural design, materials technology, and manufacturing have made large-scale production feasible. This innovation allows for multiple military transport configurations using BWB, which collectively contribute to approximately 60% of the U.S. Air Force’s yearly jet fuel consumption.
Futuristic fuel-efficient jet
JetZero is poised to reshape the aviation landscape with its groundbreaking Blended Wing Body (BWB) jet. Teaming up with the U.S. Air Force, NASA, and the FAA, JetZero is on a mission to introduce this remarkable aircraft by 2030, offering an environmental leap forward in the aviation industry.
The BWB configuration promises a remarkable 50% reduction in both fuel consumption and emissions. “The BWB is the best first step on the path to zero carbon emissions. It offers 50% lower fuel burn using today’s engines and the airframe efficiency needed to support a transition to zero carbon emissions propulsion in the future,” JetZero CEO Tom O’Leary said. “No other proposed aircraft comes close in terms of efficiency.”
Spearheaded by CTO Mark Page, a visionary engineer who played a key role in NASA’s blended wing technology research, JetZero is at the forefront of pushing the boundaries of aviation innovation.
JetZero accelerates development of fuel-efficient airliner
JetZero’s innovation is poised to set new standards for efficiency. The aircraft boasts compatibility with 100% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) and has been designed to accommodate hydrogen fuel for zero-carbon emissions operations. This revolutionary design is tailor-made for the mid-market airline segment, accommodating over 200 passengers.
With global air traffic expected to grow by 3.6% annually, the challenge of decarbonizing the industry becomes increasingly pressing. Cirium, an aviation analytics firm, predicts that the global airline fleet could nearly double to 47,700 aircraft by 2041. In this context, JetZero’s innovation offers a promising solution to mitigate the industry’s carbon footprint.
JetZero’s strategic partnership with Northrop Grumman and Scaled Composites brings onboard expertise in advanced aircraft design, manufacturing, and mission systems integration. Pratt & Whitne engines have been selected to power the demonstrator, with additional support from Pratt & Whitney GATORWORKS for the integration of the propulsion system.
