EcoJet initial flight testing yields highly positive results

Bombardier shared an exciting update on its EcoJet research project at EBACE 2023. 

After years of research, the EcoJet team successfully completed the first phase of testing with a small-scale model of a blended-wing-body aircraft – roughly seven per cent of the size of a large business jet. The knowledge gained will inform the next phase of testing, which is already well underway and involves a model that is twice as large.  

Aimed at reducing aircraft emissions by up to 50 per cent through enhanced aerodynamics and propulsion systems, Bombardier created the EcoJet program to develop and test powerful new technologies that can be incorporated into future aircraft models. Positive results from the testing so far have included the deployment of a next-gen Product Lifecycle Management platform; confirmation of a sixth-generation transonic wing modeling capacity; and the demonstration of a new aircraft control architecture. 

The program reinforces Bombardier’s firm commitment to a sustainable future for business aviation. 

“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.” 

On top of its innovative EcoJet, Bombardier has taken several steps along the path toward sustainable aviation. In the last three years, it published Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) for the Bombardier Challenger 3500, Global 5500, Global 6500 and Global 7500 aircraft. These extensive declarations are the result of years of scientific efforts and are meant to act as tools for the aviation industry to drive further sustainable innovations.  

Bombardier is also using Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), at a 30 per cent blend, to cover the totality of its flight operations, utilizing the Book-and-Claim system. The initiative realizes a significant gain by reducing the annual greenhouse gas emissions associated with fuel used in Bombardier’s flight operations by approximately 25 per cent.