US Military’s Investment in Blended Wing Body: Pioneering Manta Ray-Shaped Aircraft for Efficiency and Sustainability
The US military’s investment in the Blended Wing Body concept, aimed at achieving 30% greater fuel efficiency, includes a $235 million partnership with JetZero to develop a prototype by 2027.
The US military’s investment in the Blended Wing Body concept is aimed at achieving 30% greater fuel efficiency. (PHOTO: CNN)
READ ALSO: US HYPERSONIC MISSILE TEST CANCELLATION DELAYS HYERSONIC EFFORTS
The US Military’s Investment in Blended Wing Body Aircraft for Enhanced Efficiency
The US military’s fascination with the Blended Wing Body concept mirrors our own enthusiasm for innovative aircraft design. While commercial aviation constantly strives for newer, more efficient planes, the military sometimes gets overlooked in this regard. However, there’s a growing desire within the US military to benefit from the advancements made in the commercial aviation industry.
Picture it: a manta ray-shaped aircraft with the cargo capacity of today’s planes. That’s the goal, and it’s already in the works, inspired by Airbus’s ZEROe concept. According to a published article in Simple Flying, the Blended Wing Body design is all about merging the fuselage into the wings to reduce drag and enhance efficiency. To prove just how serious they are about it, the Pentagon recently invested around $235 million in JetZero, a promising aviation startup. Their mission is to create a full-scale demonstrator aircraft to test this innovative concept. If successful, it could lead to the development of stealth aerial refueling tankers and other aircraft that are 30% more fuel-efficient than the Boeing KC-46.
READ ALSO: INTERNATIONAL NAVAL FORCES ASSERT FREEDOM OF NAVIGATION IN THE TAIWAN STRAIT
Blended Wing Body Aircraft’s Advantages in Aerodynamics and Sustainability
These manta ray-shaped aircraft aren’t just about looks; they offer at least 30% more aerodynamic efficiency than conventional planes like the Airbus A330 or Boeing 767. This means they can fly longer distances and adapt to shorter runways across various terrains. Plus, they’re designed to use Sustainable Aviation Fuels, aligning with sustainability efforts.
The Pentagon’s investment in this Blended Wing Body project will continue until 2027, allowing JetZero to build a flyable prototype by early that year. Collaborating with the US Air Force, NASA, and the Federal Aviation Administration, they aim to make this groundbreaking concept a reality.
So why is the military so invested in this endeavor? They hope that by being the pioneers and proving the Blended Wing Body’s worth, commercial airlines will jump on board. Currently, the commercial aviation industry has been hesitant due to the unconventional design. However, if the military succeeds, it might pave the way for widespread adoption. Lower costs for the military could be a byproduct of commercial interest, ultimately benefiting everyone involved in aviation. This shared vision, as emphasized by General Jacqueline Van Ovost, reflects the desire for collaboration between military and commercial aviation to shape a more efficient and sustainable future in the skies.
READ ALSO: US ALLOCATES $175 MILLION UKRAINE AID PACKAGE IN MILITARY SUPPORT TO BOLSTER DEFENSES
