Industry Boeing ecoDemonstrator Program tests new sustainable technologies

Boeing has officially unveiled its new test bed aircraft, the ecoDemonstrator. Onboard the Boeing 777-200ER, around 30 new technologies will be tested during all phases of flight. The modified aircraft can help to improve the sustainability and safety of processes in the aviation branch.

Stan Deal, Boeing Commercial Airplanes president and CEO, explained: “Boeing is committed to support our customers and enable the commercial aviation industry to meet our shared commitment to net zero carbon emissions by 2050 […] The ecoDemonstrator program's rigorous testing of new technologies further enhances the environmental performance of our products and services and is invaluable to continuously improving safety.”

By testing new solutions in safe surroundings, feasibility for secure and beneficial entry-into-service of these new technologies can be ensured. Over the course of the six-month long flight and ground tests, the ecoDemonstrator will perform following tests:

• In collaboration with NASA, SMART vortex generators – small vertical vanes on the wing – that improve aerodynamic efficiency during takeoff and landing
• A system to conserve onboard water and reduce weight as well as fuel use
• Additively manufactured airplane and engine parts to help reduce fuel use and manufacturing waste
• An environmentally preferred refrigerant and a new fire suppression agent to reduce greenhouse gas emissions
• A heads-up enhanced vision system for pilots to improve operational efficiency
• Continued comprehensive study of the impact of sustainable aviation fuel toward the reduction of emissions
• For all flight tests, the 777-200ER will fly on a highest approved blend of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) available

Chris Raymond, Boeing Chief Sustainability Officer, commented: “The Boeing ecoDemonstrator program brings together the two most important ingredients to a more sustainable future – innovative technologies and partnerships with customers, suppliers, government agencies and academia […] We celebrate the past successes and look forward to continuing this iconic program to help decarbonize aviation, together.”

Boeing has been using test-bed aircraft for tests since 2012, when the ecoDemonstrator programme was initially launched. Over the time, the flying lab has tested around 230 technologies to bring forward the aviation of tomorrow.