Could this be the world's first supersonic business jet? Aerion AS2 could start commercial operations in 2025 and cut three hours from a trip from New York to London
Aerion and Lockheed Martin have revealed they are joining forces in the race to create the world's first supersonic business jet.
The firms are working together to 'explore the feasibility of a joint development of the world's first supersonic business jet', the Aerion AS2.
The 12-passenger AS2 is expected to fly at a maximum speed of Mach 1.4 over water.
Aerion and Lockheed Martin have revealed they are joining forces in the race to create the world's first supersonic business jet, and hope the 12-passenger AS2 will fly by 2023
Over the next 12 months, the companies will work together on the project.
Aerion Chairman Robert M. Bass stated, 'This relationship is absolutely key to creating a supersonic renaissance.
'When it comes to supersonic know-how, Lockheed Martin's capabilities are well known, and, in fact, legendary.
'We share with Lockheed Martin a commitment to the long-term development of efficient civil supersonic aircraft.'
Thanks to its unique supersonic natural laminar flow wing, the aircraft is expected to achieve long range (LA to Paris) and efficiency at supersonic and subsonic speeds.
The design uses a special wing shape to crate 'boomless cruise', which should allow flight at speeds approaching Mach 1.2, depending on atmospheric conditions, without a sonic boom hitting the ground.
Once fielded, it will reduce trans-Atlantic trips by as much as three hours, enabling business leaders to fly roundtrip between New York and London in a day, the two firms say.
In November 2015, Aerion announced a fleet order from fractional aircraft fleet operator Flexjet for 20 AS2 aircraft.
Aerion expects the AS2's first flight in 2023 and certification in 2025.
'We are excited to work with Aerion on their development of the next-generation, efficient supersonic jet that will potentially serve as a platform for pioneering future supersonic aircraft,' said Orlando Carvalho, Executive Vice President, Lockheed Martin Aeronautics.
HOW IT WORKS
The craft could reduce trans-Atlantic trips by as much as three hours, enabling business leaders to fly roundtrip between New York and London in a day, the two firms say.
The MOU is the result of extensive discussions between Aerion and Lockheed Martin's Skunk Works Advanced Development Programs team.
'Following our initial review of Aerion's aerodynamic technology, our conclusion is that the Aerion AS2 concept warrants the further investment of our time and resources,' said Carvalho.
Aerion expects the AS2's first flight in 2023 and certification in 2025
Cabin dimensions are similar to some of today’s most popular long-range cabins with two seating areas, a large galley, a full-width aft lavatory, and walk in baggage area, Aerion says
'We are committed to remaining on the cutting edge of aerospace technology and are excited to examine the contribution we might make to working with Aerion on making aviation history.'
During the last two and a half years, Aerion advanced the aerodynamics and structural design of the AS2 through a previous engineering collaboration agreement with Airbus.
Through that effort, the two companies developed a preliminary design of wing and airframe structures, systems layout, and preliminary concepts for a fly-by-wire flight control system.
Customers will be able to pick their own interior for the jet, which can include everything from a home cinema to a fully featured kitchen
During the last two and a half years, Aerion advanced the aerodynamics and structural design of the AS2 through a previous engineering collaboration agreement with Airbus.
'We are grateful for Airbus' contribution to the program,' said Brian Barents, Aerion Executive Chairman.
'We could not have moved the program to this stage without their support.'
In May 2017, GE Aviation announced an agreement with Aerion to define a supersonic engine for the AS2.
The latest announcement with Lockheed Martin further positions Aerion as the leader in the nascent sector of civil supersonic aviation.
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