This unique blended-wing aircraft could be part of the solution for decarbonising the aviation industry.
Whilst there are plenty of contenders in the works for short range electric aircraft, long range zero-emission options are a much rarer beast. However, this new blended wing airliner promises not only to reduce fuel burn and emissions by a whopping 50 percent, but it could also be the best chance to deliver proper long-range, zero emissions air travel.
UK-based airline easyJet is teaming up with blended wing airliner startup JetZero to develop hydrogen-fueled aircraft for commercial flights. Both have been working independently on the concept for a number of years, and it is hoped that their new partnership will be successful.
JetZero's blended wing concept isn't just a pretty take on modern aircraft. The flat fuselage can contribute much more lift than the traditional tube shape of most planes, reducing the amount of dedicated wing surface the jet needs to climb and stay in the air.
Plus, its aerodynamically stable design negates the need for a tail wing. These add up to significant reductions in drag and weight, along with smaller engines to boot. The result, claims the company, is radically lower fuel burn and emissions.
According to JetZero founder Mark Page, "The blended wing is 50 percent more efficient. It uses half the fuel, makes half the carbon dioxide compared to a tube-and-wing aircraft, frankly, even with the same engines."
The broad body opens up additional interior space out toward the wings - which can fit in extra passengers. But it's also a perfect opportunity to bring in extra hydrogen fuel - gaseous and liquid hydrogen both store considerably more energy than batteries per weight, but they take up a fair bit of volume. Hence why a blended wing design could be the perfect platform for a clean hydrogen airliner capable of serious range.
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