This is JetZero, a futuristic ‘blended-wing’ plane that could shape the future of air travel.
It looks so different – and perhaps a bit odd – because of the way that the wings are made.
The vast majority of production aircraft are essentially ‘tubes’ with wings attached.
But JetZero believes blended-wing planes such as this one are the future.
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From the fastest plane in the world, which almost looks like a triangle, to the plane with the ‘ring wing‘, we’ve seen all kinds of shapes and designs.
However, unusual designs are usually reserved for prototypes or military aircraft, while passenger airliners all look roughly the same.
Mind you, it appears blended-wing planes seem to be making something of a comeback.
Blended-wing body (BWB) planes bring several advantages because their streamlined shape improves stability, while also reducing drag, thereby increasing fuel efficiency and lowering carbon output.
The latter is the most important goal of all, chiefly because manufacturers want to meet the industry’s widespread pledge to be carbon neutral by 2050.
JetZero, a start-up based in California, is working on a demonstrator to be ready for flight tests in 2027 and market entry in 2030.
NASA has even made a billion-dollar investment in BWB research.
It won’t be easy, though.
Building passenger airliners versus military aircraft presents different challenges.
When it comes to passenger aircraft, form follows function, but both have to report to comfort.
Different airlines choose different solutions for the interior, so the fuselage has to be spacious, but also easy to customize.
Airbus is a great example of why that’s so important because the company makes planes that can be repurposed as private jets, with 12-15 seats, but can also be used by low-cost carriers, with hundreds of seats.
For this reason, JetZero will also have to consider whether adopting a BWB design makes life better or worse for passengers once they’re airborne.
