JetZero, working with NASA and the USAF to develop a blended-wing body commercial jet, acquired the former Gulfstream facility at Long Beach Airport. With 275,000 square feet of office and hangar space, Jet Zero has the space to continue its development program. JetZero has a four-year $235 million contract with the USAF to expedite the development of its aircraft. That funding will enable the company to double its current workforce of 100 employees and contractors and move forward more quickly with the aircraft development process. While JetZero’s goals are to develop a commercial airliner and freighter, the military could utilize this aircraft for tankers and utility transports. The USAF contract provides a jump start to the program.The passenger version of the aircraft will be about the same size as a smaller wide-body, with up to 250 seats and a range of 5,750 miles. As you can see from the rendering below, the blended wing body incorporates the wings within the body and is aerodynamically more efficient than traditional tube and wing designs. [caption id="attachment_80605" align="aligncenter" width="640"] JetZero[/caption] JetZero developed a smaller model of its design, with ground and taxi tests already underway. A first flight of the small design prototype will occur in the first quarter of 2024. The new hangar will enable the company to move forward with a full-size model, currently scheduled for test flights and on target for 2027. Innovation will be required for the aviation industry to meet targets to reduce carbon emissions. JetZero is one of the innovators with advanced aerodynamic designs that could dramatically reduce carbon emissions by as much as 50%. They now have the space needed for full-sized aircraft development.