What are the current and future applications of blended wing body aircraft in civil and military aviation?

1 Concept and benefits

BWB aircraft are based on the principle of distributing the lift and drag forces over a large surface area, rather than concentrating them on discrete components. This reduces the overall drag coefficient and the induced drag, which are the main sources of fuel consumption and noise in conventional aircraft. By integrating the payload into the wing structure, BWB aircraft can also increase their internal volume and weight efficiency, allowing them to carry more passengers or cargo for a given wingspan. Additionally, BWB aircraft can reduce their radar cross-section and infrared signature, making them less detectable by enemy sensors.

2 Technical challenges

Despite their theoretical advantages, BWB aircraft pose some significant engineering and design challenges that have to be overcome before they can be widely adopted. One of the main challenges is the stability and control of BWB aircraft, which require complex and sophisticated systems to compensate for the lack of a tail and vertical stabilizers. Another challenge is the structural integrity and safety of BWB aircraft, which have to withstand high stresses and loads, as well as provide adequate protection and evacuation for the passengers and crew. A third challenge is the aerodynamic performance and efficiency of BWB aircraft, which have to deal with issues such as boundary layer separation, shock wave formation, and transonic drag rise.

3 Civil aviation

BWB aircraft have been proposed as a possible solution for the increasing demand and environmental impact of civil aviation. However, there are only a few examples of BWB aircraft that have been developed or tested for civil applications. One of them is the Boeing X-48, a subscale unmanned research aircraft that flew between 2007 and 2013, demonstrating the feasibility and potential of BWB aircraft for commercial transport. Another example is the KLM Flying-V, a conceptual design for a passenger aircraft that resembles a giant V-shaped wing, which is expected to reduce fuel consumption by 20% compared to conventional aircraft. A third example is the Airbus Maveric, a small-scale demonstrator aircraft that flew for the first time in 2020, showcasing the innovative design and benefits of BWB aircraft for regional transport.

4 Military aviation

BWB aircraft have been more extensively explored and developed for military applications, especially for stealth and long-range missions. One of the most well-known examples of BWB aircraft is the Northrop Grumman B-2 Spirit, a strategic bomber that entered service in 1997, and is still one of the most advanced and expensive aircraft in the world. The B-2 uses its unique shape and materials to evade radar detection and deliver nuclear or conventional weapons to any target. Another example is the Lockheed Martin RQ-170 Sentinel, an unmanned aerial vehicle that was first revealed in 2009, and is used for reconnaissance and surveillance missions in hostile airspace. A third example is the Boeing Phantom Ray, an experimental unmanned combat air vehicle that flew for the first time in 2011, and is designed to perform various roles such as strike, air defense, and electronic warfare.