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JetZero Raises $175 Million to Speed Blended-Wing Z4 Demonstrator

Investor backing from airlines, defense primes, venture arms positions the program for a 2027 first flight.

Overview

  • The Series B was led by B Capital with participation from United Airlines Ventures, Northrop Grumman, 3M Ventures, and RTX Ventures.
  • JetZero says total funding and commitments now exceed $1 billion, including a $235 million Defense Innovation Unit award.
  • The full-size blended-wing-body Z4 targets roughly 250 seats, about 5,000 nautical miles of range, and up to 50% lower fuel burn versus comparable airliners.
  • United holds a contingent agreement for up to 100 aircraft plus 100 options that depends on a successful full-scale demonstrator flight.
  • Northrop’s Scaled Composites is building the prototype in Mojave, with Pratt & Whitney PW2040 engines and Collins Aerospace nacelles planned for the aircraft.