On 16 August 2023 US Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall announced that startup firm JetZero has been chosen to build a demonstrator aircraft with a blended wing body (BWB) by 2027, which the US government hopes will prove out a revolutionary design to meet the needs of future military refuelling and cargo missions, as well as commercial flights.
"There is real potential in this technology to help increase fuel efficiency significantly and this is going to lead to improvements in not just the efficiency and capabilities of our force, but also in our impact on the climate," Kendall said during an event hosted by the Air & Space Forces Association. The sleek, flying wing-shaped BWB, whose name derives from the jet's wings and fuselage blended together, leaving no clean break between the two is a concept that has existed for decades and previous subscale demonstrators have been tested, like Boeing's X-48 built in partnership with NASA. JetZero's BWB will be a full-scale demonstrator, as the programme's solicitation specifically called out applications for tanking, cargo and even commercial applications.
For the project, on the US government's side the Air Force is teamed with the Defence Innovation Unit and NASA. It is unclear what other companies may have been in competition for the $235 million demonstrator award. Like Boeing, Lockheed Martin has previously explored innovations in new aircraft designs, such as its hybrid wing body jet for NASA. Neither company immediately responded to requests for comment.
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An aviation photographer's experience at the Presidential inauguration
Witnessing the helicopter formation for the Presidential Inauguration in Pretoria on 18 June 2024 was an incredibly unique and exhilarating experience, an opportunity that does not come around very often.
Jabiru South Africa
Ask the aviation industry about Jabiru aircraft and you will find that they have an excellent reputation.
EAA Chapter 322 Young Eagles 2024
The Experimental Aviation association (EAA) has a long history of engendering the passion for flying amongst its members as well as the youth of the world. EAA is a worldwide organisation with its most well-known event being the annual gathering in Oshkosh for a week of aviation as the largest aviation event in the world at the end of July each year.
Bat Hawk Aircraft
Based in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga, Micro Aviation SA (SACAA M-628) is the manufacturer of the most affordable Rotax 912 ULS powered light sport aircraft in the world.
FK 9 Mk vi - RAPTOR
The FK9 Mk VI has just landed in South Africa.
Sun City plans for sustainable solar energy
Sun City is going to great heights in its bid to one day take the resort completely off the grid. With all available space on the roof of Sun Central now covered by solar panels, the resort lifted its sights to the roof at The Palace and the Sun City hotel.
Belgium chposes Airbus H145M for Armed Forces and Federal Police
The Kingdom of Belgium will procure 15 multi-role H145M helicopters for the army and two helicopters plus three options for the Federal Police. The contract was signed between the NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA), on behalf of Belgium and Airbus Helicopters.
Maputo airshow 2024 What a treat!
On Sunday 16 June Christine and I returned from attending the Maputo airshow and what a fantastic experience this was not only for estimated 15 000 spectators, but also the members of the media present. As always Brian Emmenis and his team were on top form with a great selection of music. The grand finale with the Puma Energy Flying Lions T6 Harvards was simply beautiful and I saw several spectators with tears in their eyes as they expressed their happiness for the airshow.
Single-pilot operations and lemon juice
Psychology researchers have found that some of the dumbest criminals and the cockiest pilots may have something in common: a hazardous cognitive bias, the Dunning–Kruger effect that hinders self-perception, clouds judgment and leads individuals to overestimate their ability. However, new psychological discoveries may provide a cure.
ExecuJet MRO Services! South Africa Set to Achieve New Record for Airframe Heavy Checks
JOHANNESBURG - ExecuJet MRO Services South Africa, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Dassault Aviation, is poised to set a new record this year for airframe heavy maintenance checks. The company's previous annual record was seven, but this year it will complete at least 11 thanks to additional work on Dassault Falcon aircraft.
