(NEWSnet/AP) — U.S. Air Force will invest $235 million to help a start-up manufacturer build a jet with a blended-wing body. Officials say it could provide greater range for military tankers and cargo planes and, eventually, be used to carry airline passengers.

Officials from JetZero and the Air Force, which announced the award Wednesday, say they hope the demonstrator plane will be ready to fly in 2027.

Most large airplanes are tubes with wings and a tail section attached. Blended-wing planes are designed with the body and wings being one piece. The result is an aircraft with less aerodynamic drag than a conventional plane.

The Air Force, the Pentagon’s Defense Innovation Unit and NASA are working on the project. JetZero has a partner in defense contractor Northrop Grumman.

At a briefing Wednesday, officials said the JetZero demonstrator could determine whether a blended-wing body could be used in refueling tankers and cargo planes for the Air Force. They said passenger and cargo airlines could benefit if the design adds seating or cargo space and reduces fuel cost.

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