RTX has confirmed its Pratt & Whitney unit will supply PW2040 engines to budding blended-wing-body developer JetZero for its demonstrator aircraft, with Collins Aerospace to provide the nacelles for the project.
JetZero had previously said the demonstrator would be powered by twin PW2043 engines, having dropped an earlier plan to use P&W’s geared turbofan powerplants.
The engine maker’s PW2000 family of turbofans power some Boeing 757s, while a military derivative equips the Boeing C-17 strategic transport.
Additionally, RTX says Pratt & Whitney Canada will aid JetZero’s effort by supplying its APS3200 auxiliary power unit to the blended-wing-body aircraft.
Collins, meanwhile, will design and build nacelle structures, including the inlet, fan cowl and fan duct, ”in addition to fairings and engine support structures,” RTX says.
Long Beach, California-based JetZero is developing a conceptual blended-wing-body demonstrator called the Z4. The aircraft will have twin turbofans mounted on the top of its aft fuselage. JetZero is aiming for first flight in 2027.
It envisions the demonstrator as informing its development of a passenger jet that could burn half as much fuel of today’s aircraft. It estimates such an aircraft could have 5,000nm (9,260km) of range and carry 200-250 passengers.
Blended-wing-body aircraft have wide, non-cylindrical fuselages that curve and blend into the aircraft’s wings, allowing the entire structure, not just the wings, to create lift. The concept shares features with both traditional tube-and-wing designs and so-called “flying wings”.
News of RTX’s involvement comes the day after Delta Air Lines said it will assist JetZero with operational and cabin-design input.
