Aerion Corporation is nearing a decision on an aerospace manufacturing partner to lead the development and production of its pioneering supersonic business jet design.
The next step is to carry out a pre-launch phase jointly with the manufacturer to confirm the Aerion SSBJ performance, costs and market, prior to formal launch in the third quarter of 2010. Thereafter a five-year program
is planned so that the Aerion SSBJ could be flying in 2013 and certified by late 2015.
The $80 million Aerion supersonic jet relies on a concept known as supersonic natural laminar flow to reduce airframe drag, thereby reducing engine power requirements and fuel consumption. The patented concept was developed by Dr. Richard Tracy, Aerion’s chief technology officer, and demonstrated in NASA flight tests and in transonic wind tunnel testing.
