Aerion and Lockheed Martin have announced they are jointly developing the world's first supersonic business jet. The aircraft will be named Aerion AS2.
Over the next 12 months, the two supersonic technology specialists will work together to put the programme together, including engineering, certification and production. 'This collaboration is the absolute key to creating a supersonic renaissance,' said Aerion CEO Rober M. Bass. 'When it comes to supersonic expertise, Lockheed Martin's capabilities are well-regarded and, in fact, legendary. We now share together a commitment to the long-term development of an efficient civil supersonic aircraft.'
'We are delighted to work with Aerion on their development of the next generation, efficient supersonic jets that will potentially be a stepping stone to ground-breaking future supersonic aircraft,' said Orlando Carvalho, Lockheed Martin Aeronautics' vice-president.
The partnership was announced towards the end of a 2.5-year collaboration between Aerion and Airbus. During this phase, the design of the wing and aircraft structures, systems layout and the fly-by-wire flight control system were completed. 'We are pleased with Airbus' contribution to the programme,' a press release said. 'We could not have taken the project forward without them.'
With Lockheed Martin, Aerion will look at further developing the aerodynamics and structural design while also looking at whether even higher speeds are possible. The former, known for their development of industry-leading supersonic fighter jets, is committed to promoting the advancement of new technologies within civil and commercial applications, exactly where the 'AS2' should have a place.
As for the aircraft's engine, speed and power, not much has yet been announced by the two parties. However, an order for 20 aircraft has already been placed. The first aircraft is expected to take to the skies in 2023 and certification should be in place by 2025. According to Lockheed, the entire project will create around 40 jobs.
Aerion and Lockheed are certainly not the first companies to engage in the development of supersonic aircraft. Boom Supersonic, for instance, attracted a lot of attention at the Paris Air Show last summer with a scale model of its supersonic aircraft. The company already managed to sell 76 planes without a prototype.
By: Kelly Bakker
Source: Aerion
