Aerion-1 aircraft. Source: Lockheed Martin

Aerion and Lockheed Martin announced a memorandum of understanding (MOU) today to explore the feasibility of a joint development of a supersonic business jet, the Aerion AS2. Over the next 12 months, the companies will work to develop a framework on all phases of the program, including engineering, certification and production.

In early December, Japan Airlines (JAL) said it would invest $10 million in Boom Supersonic, a Denver-based company that is developing a supersonic aircraft capable of speeds at Mach 2.2. The airline has an option to buy up to 20 of the aircraft, which carry a price tag of $200 million each.

As part of the agreement, JAL will provide its knowledge and experience to refine the aircraft design and help define the passenger experience for supersonic travel. JAL has been working behind the scenes with Boom for more than a year.

During the last two and a half years, Aerion has advanced the aerodynamics and structural design of the AS2 through a previous engineering collaboration agreement with Airbus. Through that effort, the two companies developed a preliminary design of wing and airframe structures, systems layout and preliminary concepts for a fly-by-wire flight control system.

In May 2017, GE Aviation announced an agreement with Aerion to define a supersonic engine for the AS2.

Based in Reno, Nevada, Aerion Corp. was formed in 2003 to explore practical and efficient supersonic flight. Aerion previously developed and demonstrated advanced wing technology in conjunction with NASA and other aeronautical institutions. This research includes work in supersonic natural laminar flow, an enabling technology behind the AS2 concept.

The 12-passenger AS2 is expected to fly at a maximum speed of Mach 1.4 over water, and, where permitted by regulation, at speeds approaching Mach 1.2 over land, without a sonic boom reaching the ground.

In November 2015, Aerion announced a fleet order from fractional aircraft fleet operator Flexjet for 20 AS2 aircraft. Aerion expects the AS2's first flight in 2023 and certification in 2025.