The Hudson Institute recommends that the US Air Force develop and procure 250 medium-sized blended-wing-body tankers to strengthen aerial refueling capabilities in the Indo-Pacific. The proposed aircraft could deliver more fuel over longer distances while potentially reducing 30-year fleet costs by $15.5 billion. The proposal comes as JetZero prepares for the Z4 demonstrator’s planned first flight in late 2027.
JetZero
United CEO Kirby says Boeing and Airbus lack pressure to develop new jets as United backs JetZero’s blended-wing design.
Boeing and Airbus are exploring this concept, and JetZero’s recent milestone brings it closer to its ambitious target of introducing a blended-wing aircraft into service by 2030.
United States (US) Air Force is investing in JetZero blended wing airliner design aimed at reducing fuel consumption, emissions, and noise.