[ad_1]
17 August 2023
by Zach Rosenberg
A conceptual image of JetZero’s blended wing body aircraft. (JetZero)
On 16 August the US Air Force (USAF) announced its selection of JetZero to build and flight test a large blended wing body testbed.
The experimental aircraft is scheduled to fly in 2027.
Blended wing body aircraft, by generating lift with the fuselage in addition to the wings, have significant fuel efficiency and short take-off advantages over conventional aircraft. Although the blended wing body concept has been demonstrated at small scales and in wind tunnels, no such aircraft have been built large enough to carry people or cargo.
JetZero’s demonstrator is intended to be the size of a large narrowbody commercial aircraft, roughly the size of a Boeing 757.
The USAF is to fund the aircraft with USD40 million in fiscal year 2023, with an additional USD200 million over the four-year design and construction schedule. An undisclosed amount is to be contributed by JetZero and unnamed partners.
JetZero has contracted Northrop Grumman as a missions systems subcontractor.
Get the full article by
subscribing to Janes
Already a Janes subscriber?
Keep reading
[ad_2]
Source link