Abstract:
The Blended Wing Body (BWB) represents the next generation of commercial and defense aircraft, offering unmatched efficiency compared to today’s conventional tube-and-wing designs. This lecture will provide an overview of JetZero’s path to building and flying a BWB demonstrator by 2027 and the broader effort to bring the BWB to market.
A particular focus will be placed on the BWB propulsion system—examining the design space, the selection of engines, and the regulatory and operational constraints that shaped key design decisions. By the end of the session, students will step into the role of JetZero’s design engineers, gaining insight into the real-world trade-offs and decision-making processes behind developing an innovative propulsion system for next-generation aircraft.
Bio:
Romar Frazier is a sustainability-focused aerospace engineer with over 18 years of experience advancing next-generation technologies across commercial and defense aviation. At Boeing, he has led development efforts in advanced propulsion systems and sustainable product strategies within the Product Development and Advanced Concepts teams. Romar also directed the Boeing Defense Sustainability strategy, collaborating with the U.S. Department of Defense and international Ministries of Defense to align operational capability with climate and environmental goals.
Beyond his corporate leadership, Romar has pursued entrepreneurial solutions to global sustainability challenges, including FAA-certified lithium-ion refrigerated containers designed to reduce food waste across cold-chain logistics. He has also shaped U.S. policy on aviation safety and environmental regulation through his work in Boeing’s Legislative Affairs office.
Romar holds a Master of Science in Earth and Environmental Engineering and is passionate about bridging innovation, sustainability, and national security in aerospace systems.