Boeing to develop new blended-wing aircraft

Airline Industry Information, Feb 27, 2001

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Boeing Co, the US aircraft manufacturer, is reportedly developing a new jumbo aircraft that will feature a new blended-wing body (BWB).

The concept aircraft would not have a traditional fuselage or tail with fins, and would feature two decks and 800 seats. Most seats would not be located near a window, so would have a video monitor on the back of each seat displaying an outside view, Xinhua News Agency reported.

Boeing has stated that the BWB aircraft is not designed to compete with Airbus Industrie's A380 superjumbo jet and said that the BWB aircraft would be able to fly at the same speed and altitude as a Boeing 747-400, but use about 25% less fuel and generate less noise.

Boeing has apparently indicated that the BWB aircraft could be completed within ten years.

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