Boeing expands ecoDemonstrator flight testing with ‘explorer’ airplanes

Boeing is extending its ecoDemonstrator flight-test programme to accelerate innovation for sustainability and safety. In addition to introducing “Explorer” aircraft that would concentrate testing on particular technologies, the corporation today unveiled its 2023 plan to evaluate 19 innovations on the Boeing 777 ecoDemonstrator.

In order to show how coordinating navigation across international airspace jurisdictions can improve operational efficiency, which can reduce an airplane’s fuel use and emissions by up to 10%, the first ecoDemonstrator Explorer, a 787-10 Dreamliner, will conduct flight tests in June from Seattle to Tokyo, Singapore and Bangkok.

Boeing and the air navigation service providers in the United States, Japan, Singapore, and Thailand will work together to sequence the plane’s routes in order to achieve the best flight path across several regions, taking into account factors like weather, air traffic, and airspace closures. The highest blend of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) that is accessible at each location will be used to power the aircraft.

In 2023, Boeing also will use its current flagship ecoDemonstrator airplane, a 777-200ER (Extended Range), to test 19 technologies including:

• Sustainable wall panels in the cargo hold that are made of 40% recycled carbon fiber and 60% resin made from a bio-based feedstock
• A fiber optic fuel quantity sensor compatible with 100% SAF
• An Electronic Flight Bag application featuring Smart Airport Maps, a component of Jeppesen FliteDeck Pro, which reduces operational costs and supports safe taxi operations with the depiction of contextual airport data
• For all flight tests, the airplane will fly on the highest available blend of SAF locally