Boeing unveiled its 2022 ecoDemonstrator yesterday with a livery that honors a decade of testing to reduce fuel use, emissions and noise.
The latest ecoDemonstrator, a Boeing-owned 777-200ER, will test about 30 new technologies aimed at improving sustainability and safety for the aerospace industry, including a water conservation system and technologies to improve operational efficiency.
During six months of flight and ground tests starting this summer, the 2022 ecoDemonstrator will evaluate:
- In collaboration with NASA, SMART vortex generators – small vertical vanes on the wing – that improve aerodynamic efficiency during takeoff and landing
- A system to conserve onboard water and reduce weight as well as fuel use
- Additively manufactured airplane and engine parts to help reduce fuel use and manufacturing waste
- An environmentally preferred refrigerant and a new fire suppression agent to reduce greenhouse gas emissions
- A heads-up enhanced vision system for pilots to improve operational efficiency
- Continued comprehensive study of the impact of sustainable aviation fuel toward the reduction of emissions
- For all flight tests, the 777-200ER will fly on a highest approved blend of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) available
Since its initial flights in 2012, the Boeing ecoDemonstrator program has accelerated innovation by taking new technologies out of the lab and testing them in an operational environment. Including this year's platform, the program has tested about 230 technologies to help decarbonize aviation, improve operational efficiency and enhance safety and the passenger experience.
Approximately a third of tested technologies have progressed onto Boeing's products and services.
