Boeing will partner with Aerion in developing new generation supersonic aircraft. In accordance with the agreement, Boeing significantly invested in Aerion to accelerate the development of technology and aircraft design, as well as to bring supersonic transportation to the market. Details of the transaction were not disclosed.
Boeing will provide engineering, production and test facilities, as well as access to strategic expertise for the launch of Aerion’s supersonic business class AS2 aircraft to the market. The estimated speed of AS2 corresponds to 1.4 Mach (about 1000 mph). Due to the speed, which is 70% higher than that of modern business-class airplanes, AS2 will take about three hours for a transatlantic flight, while its environmental performance will meet or exceed modern standards. The first flight of the aircraft is scheduled for 2023.
“This is a strategic and rational investment in the further development of revolutionary supersonic technologies”, said the vice president and general manager of Boeing NeXt, Steve Nordlund. “As a partnership that combines the competence of Aerion in the field of supersonic technology with global industrial scale and experience in civil aviation at Boeing, we have formed an ideal team that can make effective supersonic transportation a reality”, added he.
Aerion was founded in 2003 to develop new, more efficient aerodynamic technologies for supersonic aircraft. In 2014, the company introduced its 12-seater business jet AS2. In 2018, Aerion introduced the design of the GE Affinity engine for the AS2 aircraft, which meets modern standards for noise and harmful emissions.
“Aerion is the industry leader planning a successful return to efficient supersonic flights”, said Tom Weiss, chairman of the board of directors, president, and CEO of Aerion. “Project AS2 is a launching pad for a promising, efficient supersonic transport, corresponding to the regulatory framework. Together with Boeing, we are creating a future in which increased speeds and mobility provide tremendous opportunities to enhance the effectiveness and potential of humanity”, added he.
Boeing NeXt works with industry partners and regulators to implement the new transport ecosystem responsibly. The division’s product portfolio includes prototyping of activities and programs that will form the urban, regional, and global transportation system in the future. These programs include unmanned aerial vehicles and passenger hypersonic aircraft.
