Blended Wing Aircraft, Inc. / JetZero BWB Projects

[raptor82]

JetZero Scaled Demo BWB First Flight Imminent | Aviation Week Network

JetZero says it is poised to begin flight tests of a subscale version of its full-scale blended wing body multirole demonstrator in the next few weeks.

aviationweek.com

"…
California-based JetZero says it is poised to begin flight tests of a subscale version of its full-scale blended wing body (BWB) multirole commercial and military demonstrator in the next few weeks.

“It should be in a matter of days and weeks,” JetZero CEO Tom O’Leary tells Aviation Week.

“We’re ready and we are just waiting for a dry lakebed,” he adds, referring to the expansive areas of Edwards AFB, California, that will be used for takeoff and landing tests. A large portion of the lakebed remains inundated with water following heavy rains in Southern California.

The 23-ft.-wingspan, 12.5%-scale vehicle was funded under a 2021 contract awarded during an earlier round of NASA’s Sustainable Flight Demonstrator program and will be used mainly to evaluate the novel articulating nose leg design—a key feature of the JetZero BWB concept. The vehicle will pave the way for the full-scale aircraft, which is being developed under an initial $235 million U.S. Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) contract awarded in 2023."

 

[aim9xray]

“It should be in a matter of days and weeks,” JetZero CEO Tom O’Leary tells Aviation Week. “We’re ready and we are just waiting for a dry lakebed,” he adds, referring to the expansive areas of Edwards AFB, California, that will be used for takeoff and landing tests. A large portion of the lakebed remains inundated with water following heavy rains in Southern California.

You're gonna need a bigger boat.

They are kayaking in Death Valley.

 

[raptor82]

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View: https://www.instagram.com/p/C3IWExHRRsq/?igsh=czI2b3lrem40emFx


12.5% demonstrator :

 

[raptor82]

https://twitter.com/x/status/1772305347576811719

View: https://twitter.com/jetcitystar/status/1772305347576811719?s=46&t=5THFve96Abhx7VANdlTzrg

 

[raptor82]

Alaska Airlines Takes Options On JetZero’s Blended Wing Body | Aviation Week Network

Alaska Airlines has become the first commercial operator to declare serious interest in the BWB under development by JetZero, signing options for an undisclosed number of aircraft from the startup.

aviationweek.com

 

[Grey Havoc]

As well as keeping their options open, a subtle but rather pointed jab at Boeing by Alaska Airlines, perhaps?

 

[Scott Kenny]

As well as keeping their options open, a subtle but rather pointed jab at Boeing by Alaska Airlines, perhaps?

No, since these BWBs are at least a decade away from certification. And probably closer to 20 years away.

A shot across the bow at Boeing would be someone leaking that (Airline) was talking to everyone with Airbus orders, about how much it'd cost to buy some of their slots.

 

[publiusr]

Call it the A-397

 

[Mark Nankivil]

In the event they go vaporware on us, here is artwork from their website....

Enjoy the Day! Mark

 

[SAustin16]

Nice to see this type of activity at Long Beach Airport...poor airport needs all the business it can get. I'll try to stop by and see if I can get additional pictures.

 

[bobbymike]

Although probably never risk it Boeing’s way back, imho, is an ultra efficient clean sheet design, like a BWB, that from design to test to certification goes somewhat flawlessly.

Not holding my breath.