Defense manufacturing group RTX Corp. struck a series of agreements with a start-up aerospace business to develop some critical systems for a demonstrator aircraft for its “blended wing” jet concept. The blended wing design merges an aircraft’s wings and fuselage to form a single, large airfoil, with potential advantages for fuel efficiency and payload.
Launching in 2021, California-based JetZero has proposed an aircraft based on the novel design that would carry up to 250 passengers.
The demonstrator will validate technologies that may be adapted for commercial passenger planes, cargo transports, and military aircraft.
JetZero claims its blended wing “is the biggest leap in commercial aircraft design since the beginning of the jet age and the best first step toward the ultimate goal of zero-carbon emissions aviation.” It states the aircraft will be available by 2030, and will achieve a 50% reduction in fuel burn thanks to the aerodynamic efficiency of its design.
In addition to fuel efficiency, JetZero will be capable of operating with 100% sustainable aircraft fuel (SAF), as well as zero-carbon hydrogen fuel.
In 2023, the company received a four-year, $235-million U.S. Air Force contract to build a full-scale demonstrator and conduct the first test flight by Q1 2027.
Three RTX businesses – Pratt & Whitney, Pratt & Whitney Canada, and Collins Aerospace – are involved in the demonstrator project.
Pratt & Whitney will integrate its PW2040 engine, a high-bypass turbofan engine that’s also known as the F117 in its military application. The PW2000 series achieves 37,000-43,000 pounds of thrust and powers several Boeing wide-body aircraft, including all models of the 757 and the USAF’s C-17 Globemaster III and C-32A aircraft.
Pratt & Whitney Canada will supply the APS3200 auxiliary power unit – the onboard engine that provides electrical and pneumatic power for essential aircraft systems. RTX noted the APU will be produced using advanced manufacturing technologies, including composite materials.
Collins Aerospace will design and build nacelle structures – including the inlet, fan cowl, and fan duct – as well as fairings and the engine support structure. Collins has designed, certified, and manufactured nacelles for the Boeing 787, Airbus A350, A320neo, A220, and Embraer E2 commercial aircraft.
