jetzero alaska
ARLINGTON, Va., March 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — RTX (NYSE: RTX) has entered into three agreements with JetZero, the developer of a novel blended wing body aircraft, to provide key systems for the airframer’s full-scale demonstrator. Pratt & Whitney will integrate the PW2040 engine and auxiliary power unit (APU); and Collins Aerospace will provide the nacelle and propulsion mounting structure. Pratt & Whitney and Collins Aerospace are RTX businesses.
“The aviation industry is focused on efforts to reduce operational costs by improving fuel efficiency and RTX has an extensive portfolio of technologies to help companies like JetZero do just that,” said Juan de Bedout, RTX’s chief technology officer. “Together, JetZero and RTX will play an important role in redefining the future of commercial and military aviation.”
“Securing partnerships for the demonstrator’s propulsion systems marks yet another meaningful milestone on our journey from design to test, to demonstration,” said Dan da Silva, chief operating officer for JetZero. “We continue to make steady progress on both the demonstrator program and the design and production capabilities of the airplane that will eventually be delivered to customers. We welcome these industry-leading suppliers to the program and are inspired to see the industry’s investment and belief in the blended wing airplane.”
JetZero aims to achieve a 50% reduction in fuel burn based on the aerodynamic efficiency of the blended wing and is planning test flights beginning in 2027.
Under the new agreements, RTX will provide the following systems for JetZero’s demonstrator:
- Pratt & Whitney will integrate its PW2040 engine. The PW2000 engine family offers 37,000 to 43,000 pounds of thrust and powers all models of the Boeing 757 aircraft, with the F117 military derivative engine serving as the exclusive powerplant for the C-17 Globemaster III aircraft. The PW2040 model engine also powers the U.S. Air Force’s C-32A aircraft, the military version of the 757.
- Pratt & Whitney Canada will provide the APS3200, an APU that employs the latest in advanced manufacturing techniques, including the use of composites. Nearly 3,800 APS3200 units have been manufactured and certified for aircraft.
- Collins Aerospace will design and build nacelle structures including the inlet, fan cowl and fan duct, in addition to fairings and the engine support structure. Collins has designed, certified and manufactured nacelles for large commercial aircraft programs for decades, including Boeing 787, Airbus A350, A320neo, A220 and Embraer E2.
The demonstrator will validate key technologies that could benefit multiple customers, including commercial passenger planes, cargo transports and military aircraft – including a potential future aerial refueling tanker.
Notes:
- JetZero is off a newsy week. Yesterday, Delta partnered with the OEM.
- Today, we have news that RTX’s business units are taking roles in engines, nacelles, and power units.
- The PW2040 selection is a low-risk solution for JetZero. They need an engine with 40-45K thrust, and the PW2040 works well.
- RTX brings a phalanx of support. PW&C and Collins round out today’s news, but there’s much more available.
- We are speculating, but we assess a high likelihood that United will jump on this bandwagon. Like Delta, United’s 757s are PW2040 powered. Engine risk has been painfully relearned, and JetZero just took that risk off the table.
- Lost in the latest news is the fact that Alaska Airlines is an early investor in JetZero. As we pointed out, Alaska is now a most MoM airline., making the JetZero project very targeted.
- Focusing on the 200-250 seat segment targets the market where the best-sellers are.
- Combining the data points to date, JetZero looks to be delivering a carefully calibrated strategy. Compared to other development programs, such as hydrogen and battery hybrids, the BWB approach looks much more plausible.
- Unlike these other development ideas, the BWB can service passengers, cargo, and military needs.
- Moreover, it doesn’t suffer from range limits. The design likely offers lower noise and has other green credentials like a 50% improved fuel burn.
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