Aerion

Aerion Corporation is an American aircraft manufacturer based in Reno, Nevada. It was founded by Robert Bass of Fort Worth.[2]

Not to be confused with Aereon.
Aerion Corporation
TypePrivate
IndustryAerospace
Headquarters
Reno, Nevada
,
United States
Key people
Tom Vice, chairman, president, and CEO[1]
Robert Bass, founder
ProductsSupersonic business jet
Websiteaerionsupersonic.com

Projects include the 8–12 passenger AS2 supersonic business jet. In November 2015 Aerion set a target to achieve FAA certification in 2021 and enter service in 2023, but in November 2017 amended the in-service date to 2025. In January 2020 the first flight was expected in 2024 and entry into service in 2026.[3][4][5]

History

Aerion SBJ
Main article: Aerion SBJ

The Aerion SBJ was a supersonic business jet project designed by Aerion. Unveiled in 2004, the designer sought a joint venture with a business aircraft manufacturer before a $1.2–1.4 billion development in 7–8 years.[6] Aerion received 50 letters-of-intent before enlarging the design as the Aerion AS2 in 2014.[7] Powered by two Pratt & Whitney JT8D-219 engines, the $80 million aircraft would transport 8-12 passengers up to Mach 1.6 and up to 4,000 nmi (7,400 km).[6]

Aerion AS2
Main article: Aerion AS2

The Aerion AS2 was announced in May 2014 as a larger Aerion SBJ redesign, targeting introduction after a seven years development.[7] Aerion initially partnered with Airbus on the project in September 2014.[8] In December 2017, Airbus was replaced as a partner by Lockheed Martin.[9] Its General Electric Affinity engine for the AS2 was unveiled in October 2018.[10] In February 2019, Boeing replaced Lockheed Martin as a partner.[11] The 12-passenger aircraft aims for Mach 1.4 with a supersonic natural laminar flow wing for a minimum projected range of 4,750 nm (8,800 km).[8][12][13] A $4 billion development cost is anticipated, for a market for 300 over 10 years and 500 overall for $120 million each.[10]

Aerion Technologies Corporation

Increased demand from a variety of aircraft manufacturers for Aerion’s natural laminar flow expertise drove the company to launch Aerion Technologies Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary, in May 2011.[14][15][16] Aerion maintains that the same proprietary technologies and design tools that enable a practical SBJ also have subsonic and transonic applications. During the past 10 years, Aerion has developed extensive NLF test data and methods for optimizing its application to aircraft design, as well as assuring practical manufacturing and operational use. Aerion Technologies’ NLF technology and design tools may help airframer builders push speed and efficiency limits for next-generation civil and military aircraft.[17][18][19]

Leadership

In May 2015, Ernest (Ernie) Edwards, formerly president of Embraer Executive Jets, was appointed Aerion’s chief commercial officer; while previous Gulfstream G650 chief engineer Mike Hinderberger was promoted to senior vice president for aircraft development.[20] In March 2018, Tom Vice, former president of Northrop Grumman's Aerospace Systems sector, was appointed President and COO. On February 5, 2019, Chairman of the Board Robert Bass was replaced by Tom Vice as Chairman upon the announcement of a partnership between Boeing and Aerion.[21]

See also

References
  1. https://www.aerionsupersonic.com/leadership-team/
  2. Billionaire Bass’s Supersonic Jet Dream Wins Boeing Backing
  3. "Flexjet to Become First Fleet Customer for Aerion Supersonic Business Jet" (PDF). Aerion. 17 November 2015. Archived from the original (PDF) on 24 November 2015. Retrieved 23 November 2015.
  4. "Aerion in talks to lift US supersonic flight ban". Corporate Jet Investor. 3 November 2017. Retrieved 3 November 2017.
  5. Sheetz, Michael (16 January 2020). "Jet builder Aerion expects to fly silent supersonic planes by 2024, unlocking a $40 billion market". CNBC. Retrieved 18 January 2020.
  6. "NBAA 2004 - Las Vegas witnesses birth of supersonic gamble". 19 Oct 2004.
  7. Chad Trautvetter (20 May 2014). "Aerion SSBJ Now a Trijet with Bigger Cabin, More Range; Aviation International News". AIN online.
  8. "Aerion advances supersonic ambitions with Airbus collaboration". Flightglobal. 22 September 2014.
  9. Chad Trautvetter (December 13, 2017). "Aerion, Lockheed Plan AS2 SSBJ Announcement by Friday". Aviation International News.
  10. Mark Phelps (October 15, 2018). "Aerion Unveils Stage 5 GE Affinity Engine for Supersonic AS2". AIN online.
  11. Boeing; Aerion Supersonic (Feb 5, 2019). "Boeing Partners with Aerion to Accelerate Supersonic Travel" (PDF) (Press release).
  12. Hemmerdinger, Jon (24 December 2019). "Aerion selects more suppliers for in-development supersonic business jet AS2". Flight Global. Retrieved 18 January 2020.
  13. Macias, Amanda and Michael Sheetz (5 February 2019). "Take a look at the Boeing jet that may take you to your next business meeting at supersonic speeds". CNBC. Retrieved 18 January 2020.
  14. Want Laminar Flow? Talk to Aerion, Aviation Week, 5/16/11
  15. Aerion to subsonic set: Go with the (natural laminar) flow, Aviation International News, 5/17/11
  16. EBACE: Aerion seeks fresh revenue stream, Flight International, 5/16/11
  17. Aerion’s tech subsidiary brings laminar flow to subsonics, Aviation International News, 10/10/11
  18. NBAA: Aerion goes with laminar flow, Flight International, 10/11/11
  19. NBAA: Aerion talks up transonic options as F-15 tests resume, Flight International, 10/29/12
  20. "Aerion announces promotions and new senior staff positions". SP's Aviation. May 18, 2015.
  21. "Boeing Partners with Aerion, Bets big on Supersonics". AINonline. February 5, 2019.
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