Boeing Awarded NASA Sustainable Flight Demonstrator Contract

Rhea-AI Summary

Boeing (NYSE: BA) has been selected by NASA to lead the development and flight testing of a full-scale Transonic Truss-Braced Wing (TTBW) demonstrator airplane, under the Sustainable Flight Demonstrator (SFD) program. This initiative aims to enhance aerodynamics and fuel efficiency, potentially reducing emissions by up to 30% relative to current models. NASA is funding the project with $425 million, while Boeing and its partners are contributing up to $725 million. Previous investments by Boeing in sustainable aviation research total $110 million. The TTBW design is based on over ten years of collaborative development and testing.

Positive

• NASA awarded Boeing a $425 million contract for the SFD program.
• Boeing and partners will contribute up to $725 million to the project.
• The TTBW design could reduce fuel consumption and emissions by up to 30%.
• Investment in sustainable aviation aligns with goals for net zero carbon emissions by 2050.

Negative

• None.

ARLINGTON, Va., Jan. 18, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- NASA has selected Boeing [NYSE: BA] and its industry team to lead the development and flight testing of a full-scale Transonic Truss-Braced Wing (TTBW) demonstrator airplane.

The technologies demonstrated and tested as part of the Sustainable Flight Demonstrator (SFD) program will inform future designs and could lead to breakthrough aerodynamics and fuel efficiency gains.

When combined with expected advancements in propulsion systems, materials and systems architecture, a single-aisle airplane with a TTBW configuration could reduce fuel consumption and emissions up to 30% relative to today's most efficient single-aisle airplanes, depending on the mission. The SFD program aims to advance the civil aviation industry's commitment to reaching net zero carbon emissions by 2050, as well as the goals set forth in the White House's U.S. Aviation Climate Action Plan.

"The SFD program has the potential to make a major contribution toward a sustainable future," said Greg Hyslop, Boeing chief engineer and executive vice president of Engineering, Test & Technology. "It represents an opportunity to design, build and fly a full-scale experimental plane, while solving novel technical problems."

Ultrathin wings braced by struts with larger spans and higher-aspect ratios could eventually accommodate advanced propulsion systems that are limited by a lack of underwing space in today's low-wing airplane configurations. For the demonstrator vehicle, Boeing will use elements from existing vehicles and integrate them with all-new components.

NASA's funding through the SFD Space Act Agreement totals $425 million. The SFD program will also leverage up to $725 million in funding by Boeing and its industry partners to shape the demonstrator program and meet the resource needs required. Separately, Boeing's previous internal investments for recent phases of sustainable aviation research total $110 million.

The TTBW airframe concept is the result of more than a decade of development supported by NASA, Boeing and industry investments. Under previous NASA programs including the agency's Subsonic Ultra Green Aircraft Research program, Boeing conducted extensive wind tunnel testing and digital modeling to advance the design of the TTBW. Early conceptual studies started under NASA's Environmentally Responsible Aviation program.

CONTACT
Boeing Media Relations
media@boeing.com

 

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SOURCE Boeing

FAQ

What is the significance of Boeing's contract with NASA for the SFD program?

Boeing's contract with NASA for the Sustainable Flight Demonstrator program enables the development of a TTBW airplane, aiming for significant improvements in aerodynamics and fuel efficiency.

How much funding is NASA providing for Boeing's TTBW demonstrator project?

NASA is providing $425 million in funding for the TTBW demonstrator project.

What are the expected benefits of the SFD program for Boeing and the aviation industry?

The SFD program is expected to lead to up to 30% reduction in fuel consumption and emissions, advancing sustainability goals in aviation.

What is the total investment from Boeing in sustainable aviation research related to this contract?

Boeing's previous investments in sustainable aviation research total $110 million, in addition to the funding for the SFD program.

What is the main goal of the Sustainable Flight Demonstrator program?

The main goal of the SFD program is to achieve net zero carbon emissions in civil aviation by 2050.