Supersonic business jet from Aerion receives Airbus boost

The project – chaired by Texas billionaire Robert Bass – hopes to have the aircraft ready for market in 2021.
Airbus will provide expertise on design, manufacturing and certification in exchange for access to Aerion’s proprietary technology that reduces drag on wings and the fuselage, the companies said.
The agreement includes the assignment of senior engineering staff to Aerion’s expanding development organization. Aerion and Airbus Defense and Space professionals will work together at Aerion’s new engineering offices in Reno, Nevada.
“This is a major step forward for Aerion,” said Bass. “It puts us solidly on track toward our objective of certifying the world’s first supersonic business jet in 2021. Needless to say, we are thrilled with the resources Airbus Group will bring to the programme.”
The Aerion jet began in 2002 and but put on hold by the 2008-2009 financial crisis. Last year the company said it was review the engines that power the supersonic jet in order to comply with new noise restrictions. At EBACE this year Aerion said it had gone back to the drawing board and developed flexible plans that revolved around a three-engine model called the AS2.
Aerion’s CEO Doug Nichols said: “The collaboration with Airbus was an essential piece in order to bring the expertise of a premier aircraft development concern into the fold.” Theproposed AS2 model won’t require changing U.S. and foreign noise regulationsas it will fly efficiently at subsonic speeds over the U.S. and throttle to Mach 1.6, while crossing the ocean. Over Europe, the plane will be able to reach Mach 1.2 without a boom that’s perceptible on the ground, Nichols said.
The $100 million jet is expected to appeal to around 600 owners over the next 20 years. It can fly Trans Pacific as well as from London to Seattle or Dubai to New York.