RTX has entered into three agreements with JetZero, the developer of an innovative blended wing body aircraft, to supply key systems for the company's full-scale demonstrator. Pratt & Whitney will integrate the PW2040 engine and auxiliary power unit (APU), while Collins Aerospace will provide the nacelle and propulsion mounting structure. Both Pratt & Whitney and Collins Aerospace are part of RTX.
Juan de Bedout, RTX's Chief Technology Officer, stated, “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. Together, JetZero and RTX will play an important role in redefining the future of commercial and military aviation.”
JetZero is aiming to achieve a 50% reduction in fuel consumption based on the aerodynamic efficiency of the blended wing body design, with test flights scheduled to begin in 2027.
Under the new agreements, RTX will supply several critical systems for JetZero's demonstrator. Pratt & Whitney will integrate its PW2040 engine, which is part of the PW2000 engine family delivering between 37,000 and 43,000 pounds of thrust. This engine powers all models of the Boeing 757 aircraft, while its military variant, the F117, is 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 APU, a system produced using advanced manufacturing techniques such as composites. Nearly 3,800 APS3200 units have been manufactured and certified for various aircraft.
Collins Aerospace will design and produce nacelle structures, including the inlet, fan cowl, fan duct, fairings and engine support structures. Collins has decades of experience designing, certifying and manufacturing nacelles for major commercial aircraft programmes such as the Boeing 787, Airbus A350, A320neo, A220 and Embraer E2.
The demonstrator will validate key technologies that could benefit various customers, including commercial passenger planes, cargo transports and military aircraft – with potential applications for future aerial refuelling tankers.
