Boeing launches ‘ecoDemonstrator’ programme
Boeing has launched its ‘ecoDemonstrator’ programme, which is intended to accelerate the availability of environmental technologies for aviation applications. The programme will test new technology for higher fuel efficiency, noise reduction and greater operational efficiency, and is partly based on the FAA’s ‘Continuous Lower Energy Emissions Noise’ (CLEEN) scheme, for which Boeing recently won a $25m contract. Technologies in development for the CLEEN scheme include ceramic matrix composite acoustic engine nozzles, advanced inlets, and adaptive wing trailing edge flaps that can help reduce fuel consumption and noise during the take-off, climb and landing phases of flight. The ecoDemonstrator programme will also include collaborative work with IHI Aerospace of Japan to evaluate regenerative fuel cell technology for onboard auxiliary power applications. Boeing plans to test the technology on a 737NG in 2012 and conduct a second series of flights aboard a twin-aisle aircraft in 2013.
