The Aerion AS2 is a supersonic business jet designed to reach Mach 1.4, accommodating 12 passengers with a range of 4,750 nautical miles.
The Aerion AS2 was a supersonic business jet project developed by Aerion Corporation. Designed to carry 12 passengers, it aimed for a maximum speed of Mach 1.4 (approximately 1,073 mph or 1,728 km/h) and a range of 4,750 nautical miles (8,800 km). The aircraft featured a supersonic natural laminar flow wing to enhance aerodynamic efficiency. Development began in 2014, with partnerships including Airbus, Lockheed Martin, and Boeing at various stages. Despite significant investments and pre-orders, Aerion ceased operations in May 2021, halting the AS2 project.
History of Development
In the early 2000s, the aviation industry witnessed a resurgence of interest in supersonic travel, decades after the Concorde’s retirement. Aerion Corporation, founded in 2004 by Texas billionaire Robert Bass, emerged with the vision to develop a supersonic business jet. The initial concept, known as the Aerion SBJ, was unveiled in 2004, targeting a niche market of business travelers seeking reduced flight times.
The SBJ was designed to carry 8-12 passengers at speeds up to Mach 1.6 (approximately 1,227 mph or 1,975 km/h) with a range of 4,000 nautical miles (7,408 km). However, as the project evolved, Aerion recognized the need for a larger and more advanced aircraft, leading to the development of the AS2.
Announced in May 2014 during the European Business Aviation Convention and Exhibition (EBACE) in Geneva, the AS2 was a redesigned version of the SBJ. Aerion aimed for a seven-year development timeline, with the first flight initially scheduled for 2023 and certification expected the same year. The company projected a market for 300 AS2s over ten years, with an estimated price of $120 million per aircraft.
To achieve its ambitious goals, Aerion partnered with major aerospace companies. In September 2014, Airbus entered into a collaboration with Aerion, providing engineering and certification support. This partnership facilitated advancements in aerodynamics and structural design. However, in December 2017, Aerion shifted its partnership to Lockheed Martin, aiming to leverage Lockheed’s experience in supersonic aircraft development.
The development of a suitable engine was crucial for the AS2’s success. In October 2018, Aerion announced a collaboration with General Electric (GE) to develop the Affinity engine, a supersonic-capable powerplant designed to meet the AS2’s performance requirements. The Affinity was a non-afterburning turbofan engine optimized for efficient supersonic cruise.
In February 2019, Boeing replaced Lockheed Martin as Aerion’s primary partner. Boeing provided engineering, manufacturing, and flight test resources to keep the AS2 on track for its planned first flight. Despite these collaborations and significant investments, Aerion faced challenges in securing the necessary capital to bring the AS2 to market. In May 2021, Aerion announced that it was ceasing operations, citing difficulties in raising the required funds to complete production.
Design of the Aerion AS2
The Aerion AS2 was designed to combine speed, efficiency, and comfort. The aircraft featured a supersonic natural laminar flow (SNLF) wing, which was a key element in reducing aerodynamic drag and improving fuel efficiency. The wing design aimed to maintain laminar flow over a significant portion of the surface, minimizing turbulence and drag.
The AS2’s wing had a cranked arrow delta configuration, providing a balance between supersonic performance and subsonic handling. The leading and trailing edge flaps were incorporated to enhance field performance and meet noise regulations by allowing reduced engine power during takeoff and landing.
The fuselage was designed with pronounced area ruling at its mid-section, creating a wasp-waist shape that minimized wave drag at transonic and supersonic speeds. This design feature contributed to the aircraft’s aerodynamic efficiency.
The AS2 was powered by three General Electric Affinity turbofan engines, each producing approximately 19,500 pounds (8,845 kg) of thrust. The tri-jet configuration allowed for optimized engine sizing and placement, contributing to the aircraft’s aerodynamic balance and performance.
The cabin was designed to accommodate up to 12 passengers, offering a spacious and comfortable environment. The interior featured modern amenities and customizable configurations to meet the needs of business travelers.
The AS2’s design also considered environmental and regulatory factors. The aircraft was intended to cruise at speeds up to Mach 0.99 (approximately 761 mph or 1,225 km/h) in regions where supersonic flight was restricted and at speeds of Mach 1.1 to 1.2 over populated areas without creating a sonic boom on the ground. This capability was achieved through careful aerodynamic design and flight profile optimization.
Performance of the Aerion AS2
The Aerion AS2 was designed to achieve a maximum speed of Mach 1.4 (approximately 1,073 mph or 1,728 km/h), enabling significantly reduced travel times compared to conventional business jets. The aircraft’s range was projected to be 4,750 nautical miles (8,800 km), allowing for non-stop transatlantic flights.
The AS2’s cruise speed varied depending on operational considerations. Over land, where supersonic flight is restricted, the AS2 was intended to cruise at speeds up to Mach 0.99 (approximately 761 mph or 1,225 km/h). Over water or unpopulated areas, the AS2 could reach its full supersonic speed of Mach 1.4, capitalizing on its advanced aerodynamic and propulsion systems. This flexibility made it adaptable to various regulatory environments and operational needs.
The engines, developed in collaboration with General Electric, were a pivotal component of the aircraft’s performance. The Affinity turbofan engines were designed specifically for efficient supersonic cruise, utilizing a non-afterburning configuration to reduce noise and fuel consumption. Each engine produced approximately 19,500 pounds (8,845 kg) of thrust, allowing for optimized climb and cruise performance.
In terms of fuel efficiency, the AS2 aimed to consume 20% less fuel compared to earlier supersonic aircraft like the Concorde. This was achieved through the implementation of the supersonic natural laminar flow wing and advanced materials that reduced overall weight. The fuel capacity of the aircraft supported its long-range missions without compromising speed or passenger capacity.
Aerion also prioritized environmental considerations in the AS2’s design. The aircraft was built to meet stringent noise and emissions standards. Aerion’s emphasis on sustainability included the ability to use 100% biofuel, aligning with global efforts to reduce aviation’s carbon footprint.
When compared to competitors, the AS2’s combination of speed, range, and efficiency positioned it as a leader in the niche market of supersonic business jets. Competitors such as Boom Supersonic’s Overture targeted similar markets but lacked the tri-engine configuration and advanced laminar flow technology of the AS2. This gave Aerion a technological edge, though the aircraft’s development challenges ultimately prevented it from reaching operational status.
Variants of the Aerion AS2
While the AS2 was the primary design under development by Aerion, there were considerations for potential variants to expand its market reach. The baseline AS2 was designed for corporate and VIP clients, offering a customizable interior for business travel.
Another variant under exploration was a high-density version intended for government and military use, accommodating more passengers or specialized equipment for reconnaissance or rapid transport missions. This version would have included additional fuel tanks to extend its range and minor structural reinforcements to meet specific operational requirements.
Lastly, a research-focused variant was proposed for supersonic flight testing and aerodynamics research. This version was intended to serve as a platform for advancing supersonic technologies beyond the AS2 itself. However, none of these variants progressed beyond conceptual stages before Aerion ceased operations in 2021.
Military Use and Combat
The Aerion AS2 was not developed with a primary focus on military applications, as its primary market was the corporate and business aviation sector. However, its performance characteristics and advanced technology made it a candidate for military adaptation. Potential uses included high-speed reconnaissance, rapid personnel transport, and VIP movements.
Several governments expressed interest in the AS2’s capabilities for strategic roles. The tri-engine configuration and long-range supersonic performance would have enabled rapid response missions and reconnaissance over large areas. The ability to cruise at Mach 1.1 to 1.4 provided tactical advantages, particularly in scenarios requiring speed and precision.
Despite these prospects, the AS2 did not see direct military adoption or participation in combat. Development challenges, combined with the high costs associated with supersonic technology, limited its appeal to defense budgets focused on multi-role aircraft.
Some comparisons were drawn between the AS2 and military aircraft such as the Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird, which had similar speed and range characteristics but was designed for pure reconnaissance. Unlike the SR-71, the AS2 lacked stealth capabilities and offensive armament, making it unsuitable for direct combat roles.
Aerion Corporation did explore partnerships with military contractors to adapt the AS2 for specialized roles, but these discussions did not materialize into contracts or operational programs. As such, the AS2 remains a case study in how civilian supersonic technology could inform future military designs.
The Aerion AS2 was an ambitious project aimed at reintroducing supersonic travel in the business jet sector. With its Mach 1.4 speed, 4,750 nautical mile range, and cutting-edge aerodynamic innovations, the AS2 was poised to redefine private aviation. Despite its technological promise and high-profile partnerships, the AS2 project ultimately fell short due to funding and developmental challenges. Nevertheless, its design and engineering achievements continue to influence the development of future supersonic aircraft, highlighting the potential for faster, more efficient air travel.
Back to the Special Aircraft section