JetZero Outlines Z4 Engine Selection Plan

FARNBOROUGH—Blended-wing-body developer JetZero expects to select an engine for its Z4 production aircraft within the next year as assembly of its demonstrator continues toward a late-2027 first flight.

Originally based around engines in the 33,000-lb.-thrust class, the demonstrator later shifted to Pratt & Whitney PW2000 engines following input from the U.S. Air Force. However, JetZero President and CEO Dan da Silva said the production Z4 will require more thrust.

“The aircraft evolved to a point where 40,000 lb. thrust, which is what we are using for the demonstrator, didn't seem like enough, so we're definitely into a higher-thrust category,” da Silva said. “We haven't publicly talked about the exact thrust category, but we have discussed that with the engine companies.”

Da Silva said the Air Force has used its Commercial Solutions Opening process to solicit proposals from engine manufacturers. The companies are conducting concept studies for the Air Force Operational Energy Office with support from the 763^rd Support Sqdn., which manages the JetZero contract.

“They're funding some deeper studies,” da Silva said. “It's things like, ‘You talked about a new combustor. What combustor exactly is it? What's the schedule? What's your certification plan?’”

The engine manufacturers are expected to complete the studies by year-end, with JetZero planning to finalize its engine selection over the following year. JetZero said the Z4's planned 45,000-ft. cruise altitude and the blended-wing-body configuration's inherent noise shielding allow the aircraft to use updated legacy engines, provided they meet current emissions standards.

“We can use a variety of different engines and quite a wide range of bypass ratios depending on the power of the core,” da Silva said. Potential candidates include updated versions of the GE Aerospace CF6 and Pratt & Whitney PW4000.