JetZero aims to make commercial jets flatter (and more futuristic) by 2030

Looking Ahead: Despite the advancements in safety and efficiency in commercial aviation, passenger jets have stuck to the same tube-and-wing design for almost a century. This design is now reaching its limits, especially with aviation contributing to about 2.5% of global carbon emissions. As a result, several startups, including JetZero, are exploring innovative alternatives.

JetZero, in collaboration with Siemens and Northrop Grumman, is working on a groundbreaking passenger jet design that integrates the wings into the fuselage seamlessly.

This concept, known as the “blended wing body,” has been around for over a century since it was first proposed by Russian aviator Nicolas Woevodsky. However, it has mostly remained theoretical until now, with only a few military drone designs featuring this configuration.

JetZero believes that the benefits of the blended wing body design outweigh the challenges of certifying a new aircraft shape for passenger use.

The main advantage of the blended wing body is its wider, shorter fuselage that smoothly transitions into the wings, creating a single lifting surface. This design reduces aerodynamic drag by up to 30% compared to traditional tube fuselages, leading to a potential 50% reduction in fuel consumption. This design also allows for more interior space, seating 250 passengers while maintaining a smaller footprint than existing single-aisle planes like the Boeing 737.

The blended wing body design is also compatible with sustainable aviation fuels and has the potential to run on hydrogen for zero emissions as the technology advances.

JetZero plans to conduct its first test flight by 2027 and aims for commercial service by 2030. The company is working on establishing a manufacturing facility for the aircraft.

This is where Siemens plays a crucial role. The partnership with Siemens will utilize their automation hardware, software, and services to create a “Factory of the Future” for designing, testing, and iterating the aircraft before production.

In addition, JetZero is collaborating with Northrop Grumman and the U.S. Air Force to develop a subscale prototype named “Pathfinder.” This test aircraft has validated key aerodynamic principles and begun real-world flight control testing, providing valuable data for the full-scale aircraft development.