Bombardier has achieved important milestones in its EcoJet research project, the aim of which is to develop technologies with the vision of reducing aircraft emissions through advanced aerodynamics and propulsion enhancements.
After several years of research, the organisation has completed its first phase of testing with a small-scale model of a blended-wing-body aircraft, representing approximately 7% of a large business jet. Bombardier is now building on the knowledge acquired to engage in a second phase of testing with a model twice as large, and which completed its first flight last year to pave the way for this next test campaign.
“Bombardier has taken a leadership position in the industry’s efforts to reduce its environmental footprint, and the EcoJet research project is paramount to developing the technologies that will bring us toward the goal of net zero emissions by 2050,” said Stephen McCullough, senior vice president of engineering and product development. “We are very pleased to see the highly engaging results yielded so far and to continue our trailblazing work as we kick off the next phase of this game-changing research project. The EcoJet research project has garnered a high level of interest across the industry, and we are looking forward to mobilising partners as we continue to define the future of business aviation.”
Bombardier’s team noted highly positive results during the design optimisation loops and initial flight test campaign. Those include the deployment of a next-generation Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) platform, the confirmation of a sixth-generation transonic wing modelling capability, and the demonstration of a new aircraft control architecture.
This research and technology project aims to reduce aircraft emissions by up to 50% through a combination of aerodynamic and propulsion enhancements. Bombardier created the EcoJet research project to develop and mature powerful technologies to leverage in future projects.
Other actions undertaken by Bombardier as part of its roadmap toward sustainable aviation include the publication of Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) over the past three years for its Challenger 3500, Global 5500, Global 6500 and Global 7500 aircraft. Bombardier is also using Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), at a 30% blend, to cover the totality of its flight operations, utilising the Book-and-Claim system.
