Blended Wing Body - Next Generation Aircraft
Abstract
In partnership with Defense Innovation Unit, allies, industry stakeholders, and private investors, Next-Gen Large Aircraft targets over a 30% increase in aerodynamic efficiency over traditional tube-and-wing large aircraft (given same engines), with a corresponding 30% decrease in greenhouse gas emissions. For military applications, initial analysis shows increases in combat capability greater than the percent increase in fuel efficiency for both aerial refueling and cargo aircraft productivity (e.g. 30% increase in fuel efficiency can equal 60% or more increased aerial refueling fuel offload at range). Project goals include designing an aircraft that can cost-effectively scale up and down to enable acquisition by a broader community of government and industry stakeholders. Overall effort intends to manufacture a prototype large-scale aircraft for certification and testing. This project works in coordination with DOD's Chief Sustainability Officer and the Air Force Operational Energy office.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Accomplishment
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2024
- Source ID
- ee3df373d8da4eac96e428a377e3cc0b
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- Root: Tech Transition Program