Jetzero and Siemens unveil zero-emission airliner prototype
The prototype of the passenger aircraft presented at the CES 2025 electronics trade show in Las Vegas demonstrates that the wings will be "blended" into the aircraft's body. According to the creators, this will reduce not only noise but also fuel consumption by 50 per cent. CO2 emissions are expected to drop to zero.
The new passenger aircraft comes from the American start-up JetZero, which has teamed up with Siemens. At the largest electronics fair, CES 2025 in Las Vegas, they showcased a prototype, visualisations, and revealed some details. An ambitious date was also mentioned - the new aircraft is to be ready by 2030.
The unusual shape of the wings will improve fuel efficiency
JetZero and Siemens will collaborate to develop and produce a groundbreaking aircraft with a "blended wing body" (BWB) design, which the creators believe can improve fuel efficiency by 50 per cent. JetZero plans to use the Siemens Xcelerator platform to design, manufacture, and operate these innovative machines.
What inspired such an unusual shape? JetZero anticipates that their revolutionary design requires a shorter and wider fuselage, which reduces weight and drag, and also allows for the installation of smaller engines. The new aircraft will be fully compatible with sustainable aviation fuel and will also be able to operate on hydrogen fuel — with the long-term goal of flying with zero emissions. The machines are planned to have a range of about 9,260 kilometres, with the capability to carry 250 passengers.
A digital twin of the aircraft will also be created
The new aircraft is to be ready by 2030. JetZero and Siemens, during their speech at CES 2025, acknowledged that this is a very short timeline. The companies hope to meet this ambitious schedule through the capabilities of a digital twin, which includes the creation of an accurate digital replica of the proposed design.
"The digital twin is a strategic competitive advantage that allows us — keeping the end goal in mind — to create a virtual simulation effectively," said Tom O'Leary, co-founder and CEO of JetZero, during a speech at CES 2025 in Las Vegas.
The digital twin will operate with artificial intelligence, which will help identify ways to improve the design — or if a particular part can be replaced with a more optimal one. JetZero also plans to launch a modern "Factory of the Future" in the USA, intending to integrate Siemens’ automation solutions closely. The plan is to electrify, automate, and digitise the aircraft and the production process.
Testing is set to begin in just two years
JetZero plans to start testing the new aircraft by 2027, although... the necessary factories have yet to be built. In November, the company announced agreements with suppliers regarding components for the control system of future prototypes.
The prospects for aircraft with a blended-wing design have a long tradition and were described over a hundred years ago by Russian pilot Nicolas Woevodsky. Despite commercial risks, these planes offer significant reductions in fuel consumption and noise, thanks to better integration of propulsion systems.
