The US Air Force has awarded JetZero a $235-million contract to produce a blended-wing body (BWB) full-scale prototype aircraft.
The BWB platform features an architecture that combines the body directly with its high-aspect-ratio wing to increase lift and decrease aerodynamic drag by 30 percent.
Its efficient design enables longer loitering time, extended range, and increased transport operability, addressing the service’s critical logistics requirements.
JetZero will facilitate the BWB development for four years.
The company will partner with Scaled Composites and Northrop Grumman to integrate the BWB demonstrator’s design, manufacturing, and mission systems.
Meanwhile, Pratt & Whitney will provide its GTF engine to power the aircraft. The firm’s GATORWORKS segment will support JetZero in designing and integrating the propulsion system.
The prototype’s maiden flight is expected by the first quarter of 2027.
‘Game-Changing Milestone’
The BWB initiative is a collaboration between the Department of Defense, NASA, and the Defense Innovation Unit. Plans for its development were first revealed in the 2023 US National Defense Authorization Act.
A study on the layout of the BWB ran for 30 years. Progress led to the aircraft being fitted with hydrogen propulsion, producing zero carbon emissions.
“The BWB is the best first step on the path to zero carbon emissions,” JetZero CEO Tom O’Leary explained. “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.”
US Air Force Energy, Installations, and Environment Assistant Secretary Dr. Ravi Chaudhary added, “It’s been a little over a hundred years since a few brave Airmen took to the skies and proved the first aerial refueling capability, extending the global reach of our Air Force.”
“This announcement marks another game-changing milestone for the Air Force in our efforts to maintain the advantage of airpower effectiveness against any future competitors.”