The Dream of Blended Wing Body Aircraft Gets Real, Japan Airlines Is on Board with the JetZero Z4

The Dream of the blended wing body aircraft gets a new backer as Japan Airlines joins JetZero’s Z4 program, extending momentum for the California startup’s design goals. JetZero announced this week that Japan Airlines is now involved with the Z4, a blended wing body (BWB) aircraft intended to be the first of its kind, assuming rival Natilus does not arrive first. The article notes that JetZero’s Z4 collaboration is expected to cover defining specifications and working through flight operations, cabin services, maintenance and ground handling, plus establishing maintenance and overhaul foundations. A first flight is described as being targeted next year for a demonstrator called Pathfinder with a 23-foot (7-meter) wingspan, with operations potentially entering in the early 2030s. The Z4 is described as powered by two Pratt & Whitney PW2040 engines producing 37,000 to 43,000 pounds of thrust, mounted at the rear atop the fuselage, aiming for a quieter ride.