Bombardier focused on sustainability with EcoJet program

At NBAA 2023, Éric Martel, Bombardier’s CEO, provided an update on the company’s latest aircraft, the Global 8000, indicating that it is on track for certification and entry into service in 2025. With a range of 8,000nm and a top speed of M0.94, the company is “very secure” about the schedule. The Global 7500, which will be upgradeable to a Global 8000, just completed its 150th delivery in the highly competitive ultra-long-range segment. But the company’s main focus was on a sustainable future.

Bombardier revealed details about its EcoJet project, which has been underway for 15 years and is now entering a second phase. The EcoJet project is using an 18-foot wingspan technology demonstrator to evaluate the aerodynamics, handling, and system requirements for a blended wing body aircraft, a significant size increase to Phase 1 prototypes.  

The EcoJet research project is aimed at dramatically reducing emissions by up to 50%. The EcoJet research project has entered its second test phase, with flight tests conducted using an 18-foot wide blended wing demonstrator that has contributed important results towards the goals of a “pivotal project.,” said Stephen McCullough, Vice President of Engineering and Product Development.

The EcoJet program aims at reducing aircraft emissions by up to 50% through a combination of aerodynamic, propulsion, and other enhancements. The EcoJet program began 15 years ago and has evolved into a family of Blended Wing Body (BWB) test vehicles. Flight tests are being conducted to develop and mature relevant technologies, particularly focused on new aviation control laws that will be needed for the radically different aircraft geometry that will likely be incorporated in more sustainable business aircraft in the future.

“Our engineers are eager to start working with the results yielded by this second phase of the flight test program,” said McCullough. “Building on the significant data drawn from the initial flight-testing phase, and now leveraging a model twice as large as the first prototype, we can further refine our analysis. With each additional experimental stage, we are paving the way for more sustainable aircraft designs and new technologies.”