Lockheed Martin joins AS2 supersonic jet project

The AS2 civil supersonic project, on which Aerion had previously been working with Airbus, has acquired a new major aerospace partner with Lockheed Martin’s announcement that its legendary ‘Skunk Works’ advanced development programmes team will work over the next 12 months to develop a framework for taking the project through engineering, certification and manufacturing. Aerion is already working with GE Aviation on developing engines for the aircraft.

Meanwhile in another supersonic development, Japan Airlines (JAL) has announced a partnership with Boom Supersonic, a US firm that is developing a larger MACH 2.2 aircraft, whereby the airline will invest $10m in the project and provide development assistance in return for an option to buy 20 planes.

Aerion is a Reno, Nevada-based company that has been working on the supersonic business jet project for several years. Over two and a half years working with Airbus, it designed preliminary airframe and laminar wing structures for the AS2, advanced the aerodynamics from a smaller and lighter previous design, known as the SBJ, and devised systems layout and a fly-by-wire control concept. “We are grateful for Airbus' contribution to the programme," said Brian Barents, Aerion Executive Chairman. "We could not have moved the program to this stage without their support."