JetZero has picked two RTX businesses, Pratt & Whitney and Collins Aerospace to supply the engine, auxiliary power unit, and nacelle for its blended wing body test aircraft.
The California, USA-based startup plans to fly the demonstrator, which will be its first full-scale aircraft in 2027. The company has so far been flight testing a 1:8 scale model called Pathfinder with the US Air Force since last year.
JetZero, which is funded by private investment and the US Government is developing the Z4 commercial passenger and a military transport blended wing body (BWB) aircraft. It is targeting an entry-into-service for the Z4 of 2030.
The Z4 will carry 250 people and have a range of 5,750 miles (9,260km). According to JetZero, the BWB concept will lead to 50% lower fuel burn and carbon emissions compared to existing commercial airliners.
The key announcement of the propulsion and power systems for the first full-scale aircraft, which aims to validate key technologies for the Z4, is split into three agreements:
Pratt & Whitney will integrate its PW2040 engine. The PW2000 engine family offers 37,000 to 43,000 lbs of thrust and powers all models of the Boeing 757 aircraft, with the F117 military derivative engine serving as the exclusive powerplant for the C-17 Globemaster III aircraft. The PW2040 model engine also powers the US Air Force’s C-32A aircraft, the military version of the 757.
Pratt & Whitney Canada will provide the APS3200, an auxiliary power unit (APU) produced using the latest advanced manufacturing techniques, including the use of composites.
Finally, Collins Aerospace will design and build nacelle structures including the inlet, fan cowl, and fan duct, in addition to fairings and the engine support structure.
Juan de Bedout, RTX’s chief technology officer said, “The aviation industry is focused on efforts to reduce operational costs by improving fuel efficiency and RTX has an extensive portfolio of technologies to help companies like JetZero do just that. Together, JetZero and RTX will play an important role in redefining the future of commercial and military aviation.”
Dan da Silva, chief operating officer for JetZero said, “Securing partnerships for the demonstrator’s propulsion systems marks yet another meaningful milestone on our journey from design to test, to demonstration. We continue to make steady progress on both the demonstrator program and the design and production capabilities of the airplane that will eventually be delivered to customers. We welcome these industry-leading suppliers to the program and are inspired to see the industry’s investment and belief in the blended-wing airplane.”
Despite various projects over several decades, a commercial BWB aircraft has never entered into service. Notable recent programs include NASA’s X-48, a history of which is featured here.
