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. Aerion received 50 letters-of-intent before enlarging the design as the Aerion AS2 in 2014. 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.
Aerion AS2
The Aerion AS2 was announced in May 2014 as a larger Aerion SBJ redesign, targeting introduction after a seven years development. Aerion initially partnered with Airbus on the project in September 2014. In December 2017, Airbus was replaced as a partner by Lockheed Martin. Its General Electric Affinity engine for the AS2 was unveiled in October 2018. In February 2019, Boeing replaced Lockheed Martin as a partner. 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. A $4 billion development cost is anticipated, for a market for 300 over 10 years and 500 overall for $120 million each.
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. 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.
Leadership
In May 2015, Ernest 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. 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.
