The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has awarded JetZero US$ 5.3 million to flight-test the unusual engine installation of its blended-wing-body demonstrator, which is scheduled to fly for the first time in late 2027.
The funding comes through the fourth phase of the FAA's Continuous Lower Energy, Emissions and Noise (CLEEN) program. JetZero will use its full-scale Jet1 demonstrator to collect data from the engines and nacelles during actual flight and ground operations.
The aircraft will carry instrumentation to measure airflow at the engine inlet and fan exit during takeoff, climb and cruise, as well as during ground operations in crosswinds. Jet1 has two Pratt & Whitney PW2040 turbofans installed above the center section instead of beneath conventional wings.
That position is one of the defining features of JetZero's configuration. The airframe can shield some of the engine noise from the ground, but the installation also exposes the engines to airflow conditions that differ from those of conventional underwing nacelles. Data collected under the FAA program will support propulsion integration work for the future Z4.
Jet1 taking shape
Jet1 is being built by Scaled Composites in Mojave, California, and JetZero is targeting its first flight for the fourth quarter of 2027. The aircraft is a full-scale technology demonstrator rather than a prototype of the commercial Z4.
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Only the cockpit section will be pressurized. The demonstrator is intended to validate the aerodynamics, structures, handling qualities and systems of the blended-wing-body configuration at a scale much closer to the aircraft JetZero eventually wants to put into service.
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The US Department of Defense selected JetZero in 2023 to develop the demonstrator, with up to US$ 235 million in funding planned over four years. The US Air Force is interested in the configuration for future transport and aerial refueling applications, where lower drag and fuel consumption could increase range and payload.
JetZero said in June that construction of Jet1 was about 40% complete. Major composite structures were already being assembled as the company worked toward completing the aircraft and beginning ground testing ahead of the 2027 flight campaign.
Z4 planned for early 2030s
The technologies tested aboard Jet1 are intended for the Z4, the commercial aircraft JetZero plans to develop around the blended-wing-body configuration. The aircraft is being designed for about 250 passengers and a range of up to 5,000 nautical miles (9,260 km).
JetZero says the Z4 could consume up to 50% less fuel than comparable conventional aircraft. The target combines the lower aerodynamic drag of the blended-wing configuration with current-generation propulsion technology and has not yet been demonstrated by a full-scale aircraft.
The company is targeting entry into service in the early 2030s. United Airlines has an agreement that could lead to an order for 100 Z4s plus options for another 100, subject to JetZero meeting development milestones and the aircraft satisfying the airline's safety, operational and commercial requirements.
