GE Aviation and Aerion are teaming to find a powerplant solution that satisifies the challenging specifications needed to meet the performance objectives for the AS2 supersonic bizjet.
After two years of preliminary study, Aerion Corporation and GE Aviation say they have launched a formal process to define and evaluate a final engine configuration for the AS2 supersonic business jet. The two companies will continue to participate in a formal and gated process to define a potential collaboration for an AS2 engine.
Aerion CEO Doug Nichols indicates that the company has thoroughly evaluated over two dozen civil and military engines from all leading engine producers over the past two years.
Nevada-based Aerion was formed in 2002 to introduce a new era of practical and efficient supersonic flight. Since then, the company has explored advanced wing technology in conjunction with NASA and other leading aeronautical institutions.
According to Aerion, this research includes breakthrough work in the area of supersonic natural laminar flow, the key enabling technology behind the company’s AS2 business jet.
In 2014, Aerion entered into a collaboration with Airbus Group to develop the AS2 Mach 1.5 supersonic jet. Aerion says engineering is underway, with first flight planned for 2021 and entry into service in 2023. FAA certification is currently targeted for 2025.
Aerion's AS2 is one of several supersonic transport projects currently under way, including concepts being explored by Lockheed Martin and Boom Technology.