Seeing as we have a section on the Chinese aviation industry, we might as well have a section for develops in aviation outside China.
The Department of the Air Force selected JetZero for the next phase of a blended wing body prototype aircraft project Aug. 16.
The effort aims to mature BWB technology and demonstrate its capabilities, giving the department and commercial industry more options for future air platforms.
With a design that differs from a traditional tube-and-wing aircraft, the BWB blends the aircraft body into its high-aspect-ratio wing, decreasing aerodynamic drag by at least 30% and providing additional lift. This increased efficiency will enable extended range, more loiter time, and increased payload delivery efficiencies, capabilities that are vital to mitigating logistics risks.
“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.”
As outlined in the fiscal year 2023 National Defense Authorization Act, the Department of Defense plans to invest $235 million over the next four years to fast-track the development of this transformational dual-use technology, with additional private investment expected. The effort is the result of collaboration between the Department of the Air Force, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, and the Defense Innovation Unit, with assistance from the DoD’s Office of Strategic Capital.
The Air Force expects completion of initial flight testing as early as 2027.
Will JetZero become the SpaceX of BWB aircraft? And I wonder if China will open the aerospace sector to private sector involvement similar to how it opened the space sector in 2014? Right now it feels similar to the 2000s felt for space, but for aviation.
DAF selects JetZero to develop blended wing body aircraft prototype
ARLINGTON, Va. (AFNS) --The Department of the Air Force selected JetZero for the next phase of a blended wing body prototype aircraft project Aug. 16.
The effort aims to mature BWB technology and demonstrate its capabilities, giving the department and commercial industry more options for future air platforms.
With a design that differs from a traditional tube-and-wing aircraft, the BWB blends the aircraft body into its high-aspect-ratio wing, decreasing aerodynamic drag by at least 30% and providing additional lift. This increased efficiency will enable extended range, more loiter time, and increased payload delivery efficiencies, capabilities that are vital to mitigating logistics risks.
“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.”
As outlined in the fiscal year 2023 National Defense Authorization Act, the Department of Defense plans to invest $235 million over the next four years to fast-track the development of this transformational dual-use technology, with additional private investment expected. The effort is the result of collaboration between the Department of the Air Force, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, and the Defense Innovation Unit, with assistance from the DoD’s Office of Strategic Capital.
The Air Force expects completion of initial flight testing as early as 2027.
Will JetZero become the SpaceX of BWB aircraft? And I wonder if China will open the aerospace sector to private sector involvement similar to how it opened the space sector in 2014? Right now it feels similar to the 2000s felt for space, but for aviation.