The U.S. Air Force invests $235 million in a startup to develop a groundbreaking jet design that could revolutionize aviation, with potential applications in both military and commercial sectors.
The U.S. Air Force has made a commitment to invest a staggering $235 million in a startup manufacturer, JetZero, to develop a groundbreaking jet with a blended-wing body. This innovative design promises to enhance the range and efficiency of military tankers and cargo planes, with potential future applications in passenger airline travel.
Traditionally, large airplanes have consisted of separate sections combined together: tubes, wings, and a tail. However, blended-wing planes defy convention by merging the body and wings into a seamless whole. The result is a sleek, futuristic aircraft that boasts significantly reduced aerodynamic drag compared to its conventional counterparts of the same size.
JetZero strongly asserts that traditional design approaches have reached their limit in terms of improving fuel efficiency. As fuel prices continue to rise, it becomes imperative to seek novel solutions that effectively reduce both fuel consumption and emissions. JetZero firmly believes that an entirely new aircraft design is the key to achieving these goals.
To bring this vision to life, the U.S. Air Force, in collaboration with the Pentagon's Defense Innovation Unit and NASA, is actively working on this transformative project. JetZero has also partnered with renowned defense contractor, Northrop Grumman NOC +0.97%, further solidifying its expertise and resources in this endeavor.
The aspiration is for the full-size demonstrator plane to take flight by 2027—an impressive milestone on the path toward revolutionizing aviation as we know it. With such groundbreaking concepts and substantial investments, the future of air travel looks increasingly promising.
The concept of a blended-wing body (BWB) airplane design has been explored by various aerospace companies. Boeing, for instance, has built and tested reduced-scale samples of its X-48. Lockheed Martin has also experimented with a Hybrid Wing Body design in wind tunnels. Recent advancements in materials and manufacturing have now made it feasible to produce larger-scale demonstrators.
At a recent briefing, officials revealed that the JetZero demonstrator could determine the viability of using a blended-wing body in future refueling tankers and cargo planes for the Air Force. Furthermore, this innovative design could also prove beneficial for passenger and cargo airlines. By incorporating additional seating or cargo space while simultaneously reducing fuel consumption, airlines could significantly cut costs and enhance their operational efficiency.
Tom O’Leary, the CEO and co-founder of JetZero, emphasized that the aviation industry is actively seeking solutions to reduce fuel dependency. The advent of a fuel-efficient design is indeed a game-changer. JetZero, based in Los Angeles, has the vision to revolutionize the industry.
While the Air Force award alone may not cover the development and production costs of a single full-scale prototype, O'Leary confidently expressed that they have secured additional funding from private investors and partners. Although the specific details of their funding are not publicly disclosed, it is evident that JetZero is actively seeking support to turn their vision into reality.
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