JetZero Builds Jet1 Blended-Wing-Body Demonstrator in California’s Mojave Desert for US Air Force Program

JetZero is assembling its Jet1 full-scale blended-wing-body demonstrator at Scaled Composites’ facility in California’s Mojave Desert, with composite fuselage sections, wing structures, and the cockpit fairing already manufactured.

“JetZero has reached a new stage in the development of its blended wing body (BWB) aircraft, with major structural components of its full-scale demonstrator now under construction at Scaled Composites' facility in California's Mojave Desert”

Air Data News

Air Data News says JetZero confirmed that final fuselage assembly has started and fabrication of the wing skins is underway, while the demonstrator is being built under a $235 million program funded by the US Air Force.

Air Data News

The project is expected to make its first flight by the end of 2027 to validate the aerodynamic characteristics of the blended wing body configuration before JetZero moves toward a commercial aircraft.

Air Data News reports the demonstrator is powered by Pratt & Whitney PW2000 engines, the same engine family used on the Boeing 757, so flight testing can evaluate the unconventional shape without the added complexity of an all-new propulsion system.

JetZero expects the design to reduce fuel burn by as much as 50% compared with current commercial aircraft in the same market segment, though the figure will need to be confirmed during flight testing.

CompositesWorld reports JetZero reached an FAA certification milestone as the Federal Aviation Administration transferred JetZero into its Integrated Certificate Management Office (AIR-500) for Part 25 certification of large transport aircraft.

CompositesWorld quotes JetZero CEO Tom O'Leary saying, "The only people in this [AIR-500] group — Boeing, GE Aerospace and Pratt & Whitney — are the American companies who certify engines or airframes for Part 121 airline service providers," calling it "a massive milestone."

CompositesWorld

The same report says JetZero plans to file for type certification (TC) later this year and to enter production before the end of 2030, targeting commercial entry into service in the early 2030s.

CompositesWorld also states the production Z4 variant is planned with two Pratt & Whitney PW2040 engines, while propulsion selection for the production Z4 remains in progress through a commercial solutions opening (CSO) process.

Long Beach Press-Telegram adds that JetZero CEO and co-founder Tom O’Leary said, "Critical Design Review was achieved in May 2025, and we just completed Systems Integration Review in June 2026," while the $235 million funded by the US Air Force was to design and build Jet1.

JetZero’s blended-wing concept is aimed at the market once served by Boeing 757 and smaller variants of the 767, with the demonstrator expected to validate handling qualities, aerodynamic efficiency, and structural performance rather than demonstrate a passenger cabin.

“Trending Categories JetZero Unveils Blended-Wing Aircraft to Rival Airbus and Boeing JetZero Unveils Blended-Wing Aircraft to Rival Airbus and Boeing A New Contender in Commercial Aviation In a significant development aimed at challenging the dominance of Airbus and Boeing in the commercial aviation sector, California-based startup JetZero is constructing a full-scale demonstrator of a blended-wing aircraft”

ePlaneAI

Air Data News says JetZero ultimately aims to develop a commercial aircraft capable of accommodating between 200 and 250 passengers, while the demonstrator differs because only the cockpit section will be pressurized and the remaining internal volume is reserved for fuel tanks and flight-test equipment.

In the same reporting, JetZero expects the configuration to require less thrust during cruise and consequently burns less fuel, and the company is relying on established technologies wherever possible.

Somoy News reports JetZero CEO Tom O’Leary told Reuters, "Nobody’s ever done this before," about the construction of the first full-size blended-wing demonstrator.

Somoy News also frames the stakes as JetZero’s concept must first prove promised efficiency gains before the company can secure the funding needed for certification and large-scale production, while JetZero has already attracted backing from United Airlines and Alaska Airlines.