Boeing have announced a partnership with Aerion, working to pioneer next-generation supersonic aircraft. Boeing will provide engineering, manufacturing and flight test resources, as well as strategic vertical content, to bring Aerion’s AS2 supersonic business jet to market.
As part of the agreement, Boeing made a significant investment in Aerion to accelerate technology development and aircraft design and unlock supersonic air travel for new markets. Terms of the deal were not disclosed but the aircraft is expected to take to the skies in 2023.
Aerion AS2 supersonic
Steve Nordlund, vice president and general manager of Boeing NeXt, said: “Boeing is leading a mobility transformation that will safely and efficiently connect the world faster than ever before. This is a strategic and disciplined leading-edge investment in further maturing supersonic technology. Through this partnership that combines Aerion’s supersonic expertise with Boeing’s global industrial scale and commercial aviation experience, we have the right team to build the future of sustainable supersonic flight.”
The AS2 is designed to fly at speeds up to approximately 1,000 miles per hour, with the ability to fly up to 70 percent faster than today’s business jets. The AS2 will save approximately three hours on a transatlantic flight while meeting environmental performance requirements.
Tom Vice, chairman, president and chief executive officer of Aerion, said: “The AS2 is the launch point for the future of regulatory-compliant and efficient supersonic flight. Together with Boeing, we’re creating a faster, more connected future with tremendous possibilities for enhancing humanity’s productivity and potential.
Aerion Supersonic Engine
Aerion was founded in 2003 with aims to develop new, more efficient aerodynamic technologies for supersonic aircraft. It introduced its AS2 12-passenger business jet design in 2014 while unveiling the AS2’s GE Affinity engine design in 2018.
Boeing NeXt works with industry partners and regulatory agencies to lead the responsible introduction of a new mobility ecosystem. The division’s portfolio includes prototyping activities and programs that will shape the future of urban, regional and global mobility. These programs include autonomous air vehicles and passenger-carrying hypersonic aircraft.
Photo and video credit: Aerion