Above: Boeing is expanding its ecoDemonstrator program to include “Explorer” platforms that will focus on short-term testing of a specific technology. The first Boeing ecoDemonstrator Explorer, a Boeing 787-10 Dreamliner, will participate in an operational efficiency exercise in June 2023. (Boeing image)
The ecoDemonstrator program announced some new twists to go along with some continuing efforts as it sets out to test nearly 20 technologies during its upcoming 11th year.
In addition to kicking off a second year of testing on the 777-200ER, which carried the load as last year’s testbed, the program said Thursday it is adding “Explorer” airplanes to focus on short-term testing of specific projects to move closer to the industry goal of net zero carbon emissions by 2050.
The first ecoDemonstrator Explorer, a 787-10 Dreamliner, will participate in operational efficiency testing coordinated by four countries.
Why it matters: “Expanding on the success of our ecoDemonstrator program, Boeing’s ecoDemonstrator Explorer effort will add flexibility to test on multiple platforms in operational environments,” said Stan Deal, president and CEO of Commercial Airplanes. “This enables us to test additional sustainable technologies for the benefit of our customers and ultimately supports the industry’s goal to reach net zero carbon emissions by 2050.”
The 2023 Boeing ecoDemonstrator kicks off its second year of testing on a Boeing-owned 777-200ER with more than a dozen technologies. (Paul Weatherman photo)
Old dog, new tricks: The program’s flagship airplane, the same 777 that underwent testing in 2022, will continue to fly on the highest approved blend of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) available locally and will test 19 new technologies, such as:
- Recycled carbon fiber wall panels in the cargo hold, 40% from recycled carbon fiber and 60% from resin made from a bio-based feedstock
- A fiber optic fuel quantity indicating system compatible with 100% sustainable fuels
- An Electronic Flight Bag application featuring Smart Airport Maps, a component of Jeppesen FliteDeck Pro, which reduces operational costs and supports safe taxi operations with the depiction of contextual airport data
New kid on the block: The first Explorer, will conduct flight tests in June from Seattle to Tokyo, Singapore and Bangkok to demonstrate how coordinating navigation across global airspace jurisdictions can reduce an airplane’s fuel use and emissions by up to 10%.
- Utilizing today’s onboard capabilities, Boeing and air navigation service providers in the U.S., Japan, Singapore and Thailand will collectively sequence routes across multiple regions, factoring in conditions such as weather, air traffic and airspace closures to achieve the optimal path for the airplane’s best performance.
- Like the program’s flagship airplane, the ecoDemonstrator Explorer will fly on the highest approved blend of SAF available.
“The industry will need continued fleet renewal, efficiency gains, renewable energy carriers like sustainable aviation fuel and advanced technology to meet the civil aviation industry’s commitment to achieve net zero carbon emission by 2050,” said Boeing Chief Sustainability Officer Chris Raymond. “Our initial Explorer testing in partnership with aviation stakeholders in four countries is a great example of how we can work together to optimize operational efficiency and reduce emissions.”
Go Deeper:
- More on the 2023 ecoDemonstrator and previous platforms.
- More on Boeing’s sustainability commitments, partnerships and efforts.
- Latest Boeing ecoDemonstrator preps for extensive flight-test program (Aviation Week, Oct. 17, 2022).
By Mick Boroughs