FAA Clears JetZero BWB Subscale Demo For Flight Tests

[Copper]

https://www.jetzero.aero/why-jetzero

COLORADO SPRINGS—Blended wing body (BWB) developer JetZero has received an airworthiness certificate from the FAA for its 12.5% scaled demonstrator, clearing the uncrewed twin-engine aircraft for the start of flight tests at Edwards AFB, California.

Dubbed the “Pathfinder,” the 23-ft.-wingspan aircraft will be used to evaluate flight controls and the operability of the vehicle’s novel articulating nose leg–a key feature differentiating the JetZero design from other BWB concepts.

https://aviationweek.com/aerospace/emerging-technologies/faa-clears-jetzero-bwb-subscale-demo-flight-tests

[George K]

"articulating nose leg"

What does that mean?

[Jolly]

Wasn't NASA real big into lifting body technology at one time?

[George K]

@Jolly yeah, but is this really a 'lifting body?'

Looks like a shuttle with wings.