(CNN) – US aircraft maker Boeing has just revealed its new 2022 EcoDemonstrator aircraft – a converted, 20-year-old 777-200ER that will be tasked with testing new technologies aimed at making air travel more sustainable and safer.
Reportedly starting this summer, the EcoDemonstrator will undergo a six-month series of tests both on the ground and in the sky.
The 30 or so technologies set to be tested during the campaign include projects designed to reduce fuel use, emissions and noise while incorporating more sustainable materials.
For example, Boeing is working with NASA to produce Smart Vortex Generators – small vertical vanes on the wing designed to improve aerodynamic efficiency during takeoff and landing.
Other projects include a system designed to conserve onboard greywater – water washed in the sink will be used to flush toilets, which also reduces the aircraft’s weight.
The aircraft will also be used to test on an “environmentally preferred” refrigerant, a new fire suppression agent to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and a heads-up enhanced vision system for pilots to improve operational efficiency .
In the meantime, Boeing will continue its comprehensive study on the impact of sustainable aviation fuels toward emissions reduction.
Boeing’s EcoDemonstrator program began a decade ago and takes technologies out of the laboratory to test them in an operational environment.
It has tested approximately 230 technologies in total “to help decarbonize aviation, improve operational efficiency, and enhance safety and the passenger experience.”
The Boeing 2022 EcoDemonstrator will test 30 technologies to enhance safety and stability.
Boeing
The 2022 EcoDemonstrator aircraft, registration number N861BC, was first delivered to Singapore Airlines in 2002, then spent most of its 20-year lifetime flying with Air New Zealand and Suriname Airways.
It has been repainted with an Earth-themed livery, which Boeing says marks a decade of testing to reduce fuel use, emissions and noise.
Stan Deal, President and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes, said in a statement, “Boeing is committed to supporting our customers and enabling the commercial aviation industry to meet our shared commitment to net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. ”
“The EcoDemonstrator program’s rigorous testing of new technologies further enhances the environmental performance of our products and services and is invaluable for continual improvement in safety.”
About a third of these test technologies have already been incorporated into its products and services, Boeing’s statement said.
The aviation industry has long been pushing for a more sustainable flying environment amid growing criticism.
Various reports from industry watchdogs and environmental groups estimate that aviation generates 2-3% of global CO2 emissions.
At its annual meeting in October 2021, IATA, the International Air Transport Association, announced a proposal in support of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.
At this year’s IATA AGM, taking place June 19-21 in Doha, Qatar, a “Focus on Sustainability” session will address relevant industry issues including single-use plastics, SAFs and the challenges of achieving sustainability – including Net zero carbon emissions by 2050. ,
Several airlines have already vowed to offer carbon-neutral flights and explore alternative fuels to reduce pollution.
Top image: Boeing 2022 EcoDemonstrator. credit: Boeing