美打造全尺寸BWB概念機　最快2027年首飛驗證新世代飛行技術

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JetZero翼身融合概念機飛行想像圖。(圖片取自JetZero官網)

美國航太新創JetZero已與諾斯洛普格魯曼（Northrop Grumman）旗下Scaled Composites合作，在加州莫哈維（Mojave）展開首架全尺寸翼身融合（Blended Wing Body, BWB）概念驗證機建造工程，預計最快於2027年完成首飛，驗證飛行性能與未來軍民兩用發展潛力。

莫哈維展開組裝　最快2027年完成首飛

科技新聞網站《Technology.org》報導，JetZero正與Scaled Composites合作，在加州莫哈維廠區建造首架全尺寸BWB概念驗證機，未來將進行飛行測試，驗證飛行穩定性及蒐集性能數據。

Technology.org reported that JetZero, in partnership with Scaled Composites, has begun constructing the first full-scale Blended Wing Body (BWB) demonstrator at its Mojave, California, facility. The aircraft is expected to conduct its maiden flight in 2027, validating flight stability and collecting performance data.

該計畫以美國國家航空暨太空總署（NASA）多年研究成果為基礎，結合JetZero自主研發技術，由美國空軍提供部分研發經費支持。

The project builds upon decades of NASA research while incorporating JetZero's proprietary technologies, with partial funding provided by the US Air Force.

新工廠興建中　首架驗證機先於莫哈維生產

由於JetZero位於**北卡羅來納州格林斯伯勒（Greensboro）**的新生產工廠今年6月才正式動工，因此首架驗證機改由合作夥伴Scaled Composites於莫哈維完成製造與組裝。

As JetZero's new manufacturing facility in Greensboro, North Carolina, only began construction in June, the first demonstrator is instead being manufactured and assembled by Scaled Composites in Mojave.

若研發進度順利，該機將於2027年展開首次飛行，進一步驗證BWB設計的技術可行性。

If development proceeds as planned, the aircraft is expected to fly in 2027, providing a critical demonstration of the BWB concept's technical feasibility.

翼身融合設計　兼顧節能、載運與低噪音

**翼身融合（BWB）**概念將機翼與機身整合為單一結構，可有效提升升力、降低飛行阻力，進而減少燃油消耗與營運成本。

The Blended Wing Body (BWB) concept integrates the fuselage and wings into a single lifting structure, improving aerodynamic efficiency by increasing lift while reducing drag, thereby lowering fuel consumption and operating costs.

由於機體內部空間更加寬廣，可搭載更多旅客或貨物；此外，發動機設置於機體後上方，可降低地面噪音，因此被視為未來民航與軍用運輸機的重要發展方向。

The wide internal volume enables the aircraft to carry more passengers or cargo, while engines mounted on the upper rear fuselage help reduce ground noise, making the configuration attractive for both commercial aviation and future military transport applications.

美空軍、航空業共同投資　仍待飛測驗證

JetZero早於2023年8月獲得美國空軍2.35億美元原型機研發合約，今年則進一步獲得聯合航空（United Airlines）、阿拉斯加航空（Alaska Airlines）、Northrop Grumman及RTX等企業投資，共同推動BWB技術發展。

JetZero received a US$235 million prototype development contract from the US Air Force in August 2023. Earlier this year, the company also secured investment from United Airlines, Alaska Airlines, Northrop Grumman, and RTX to support continued development of the BWB aircraft.

不過，目前計畫仍以驗證飛行性能與技術成熟度為首要目標，後續是否進入原型機量產及商業化階段，仍須視飛行測試結果而定。

For now, the program remains focused on validating flight performance and technological maturity. Decisions regarding full prototype development and eventual production will depend on the results of the upcoming flight test campaign.