The "flying wing" aircraft design where the body part is also part of the wing has existed since the 1920s. But this kind of aircraft design is unstable and not easy to fly by human pilots. It was only after computer systems were introduced that this design was finally used on the B-2 Spirit and B-21 Raider bombers. Flying wing designs are now being used on modern passenger aircraft due to reduced air resistance, and fuel consumption.
Bombardier is another company that wants to produce flying wing aircraft in the future. Through the Ecojet project a prototype on a scale of 7% of the actual size was successfully tested around eight months ago. With data showing this design can reduce fuel consumption as predicted, Bombadier will redouble efforts by producing a second prototype on a 15% scale.
Ecojet's goal is to reduce pollution emissions by up to 50% compared to standard passenger jet aircraft designs. The world is increasingly aware of pollution and passenger aircraft are among the highest contributors.
Production of flying wing passenger aircraft is also being pursued by NASA, Boeing, and Airbus. At the same time military cargo aircraft also want to be produced by the American Department of Defense with the same design to increase capacity compared to the current design.