Single-aisle aircraft are responsible for almost half of global aviation emissions. With sustainability in mind, NASA and Boeing have teamed up to build and test single-aisle aircraft that are more environmentally friendly, meaning they produce fewer emissions. Over seven years, the US space agency will invest some 425 million dollars (about 392 million euros), in an agreement estimated at about 725 million dollars (about 670 million euros).
“NASA has always been with you when you fly. NASA has dared to go further, faster and higher. And by doing so, NASA has made aviation more sustainable and reliable. It’s in our DNA,” he said. NASA Administrator Bill Nelson
“Our goal is that NASA’s partnership with Boeing to produce and test a full-scale demonstrator will help create more fuel-efficient future commercial aircraft, with benefits for the environment, the commercial aviation industry and passengers worldwide. the world. If successful, we could see these technologies in aircraft that will take the public to the skies in the 2030s.”
Testing should be completed by the end of this decade for the new aircraft to start taking off from 2030.
With this project, a full-scale “Transonic Truss-Braced Wing” aircraft will be developed and tested in flight, that is, an “aircraft with extra-long and thin wings stabilized by diagonal struts”, explains NASA in a statement.
“This project will result in an aircraft that is much more fuel efficient than a traditional aircraft, with less fuel consumption,” says the US space agency.
“NASA is working toward the ambitious goal of developing innovative technologies to reduce energy use and emissions from aviation in the coming decades, with the goal of being net zero carbon emissions by 2050,” said Bob Pearce, Administrator. NASA Associate for Aeronautics Directorate. missions and investigations.
“Transonic Truss-Braced Wing is the kind of transformational concept and investment we will need to meet these challenges. The technologies demonstrated in this project hold a clear and viable path to transform the next generation of single-aisle aircraft, benefiting all who use it. the air transportation system,” he explained.
NASA’s goal is that the technology used in the demonstration aircraft, when combined with the propulsion systems, materials, and systems architecture, will result in “reductions in fuel consumption and emissions of up to a 30% compared to today’s single-aisle aircraft.”
“It is an honor to continue our partnership with NASA and demonstrate technology that significantly improves aerodynamic efficiency, resulting in substantially lower fuel consumption and emissions,” said Todd Citron, Boeing’s chief technology officer.
“Boeing has invested in a multifaceted sustainability strategy, including fleet renewal, operational efficiency, renewable energy and advanced technologies to support the US Aviation Climate Action Plan. A decade of investment by NASA, Boeing and our industry partners to help achieve these goals,” he said.
This project will help the United States achieve net zero carbon emissions from the aviation industry by 2050, one of the environmental goals articulated in the United States Aviation Climate Action Plan.
Source: TSF
