Boeing, the US-based aerospace company, has unveiled the latest edition of its ecoDemonstrator series of aircraft, aimed at testing new technologies for implementation into the next generation of aircraft.
Since the ecoDemonstrator program started in 2012, nine aeroplanes have served as flying test beds for innovation, taking concepts and technologies out of the lab and putting them into a real world operational environment. To date, 230 technologies have been tested to help decarbonize aviation, improve operational efficiency and enhance safety during the program’s lifespan. According to Boeing, a third of the technologies tested so far have progressed onto its products and services.
This summer, the 2022 ecoDemonstrator will be subjected to six months of flight and ground tests to evaluate 30 projects that can make aviation safer and more sustainable.
Some projects include:
- The addition of small vertical vanes on the wing that can improve aerodynamic efficiency during takeoff and landing
- A new system to conserve water
- A new additively manufacturing process to help reduce fuel use and manufacturing waste
- An environmentally preferred refrigerant and a new fire suppression agent to reduce greenhouse gas emissions
- A 30/70 mixture of sustainable aviation fuel and conventional jet fuel
“Boeing is committed to supporting our customers and enable the commercial aviation industry to meet our shared commitment to net-zero carbon emissions by 2050,” said Stan Deal, Boeing Commercial Aeroplanes president and CEO. “The ecoDemonstrator program’s rigorous testing of new technologies further enhances the environmental performance of our products and services and is invaluable to continuously improving safety.”
In May, Sustainable Future News reported on plans to deliver the world’s first net-zero emissions transatlantic flight powered by 100% sustainable aviation fuel. Rolls-Royce and the international sector will work with the UK government to deliver a demonstrator flight in 2023.
“This is an exciting and ambitious challenge, which Rolls-Royce is ready to support having successfully tested our large commercial aero engines on 100% sustainable aviation fuel over the last year” says Warren East, The CEO of Rolls-Royce. “We have the technology to help the UK government achieve its objectives, and we look forward to working closely with them to deliver this milestone transatlantic flight”.
