CompositesWorld
Issue link: https://cw.epubxp.com/i/930524
TRENDS FEBRUARY 2018 18 CompositesWorld Aerion Corp. (Reno, NV, US) and Lockheed Martin (Bethesda, MD, US) announced a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Dec. 15, 2017 to define a formal, gated process to explore the feasibility of joint development of what would be the world's first supersonic business jet, the Aerion AS2. During Lockheed Martin and Aerion to co-develop supersonic business jet the next 12 months, the companies will develop a framework for all program phases, including engineering, certification and production. The MoU is the result of extensive discus- sions between Aerion and Lockheed Martin's Skunk Works Advanced Development Programs team. Lockheed Martin, key to development of the F-16, F-35 and F-22 supersonic combat aircraft, is committed to foster- ing innovation. For close to 75 years, its Skunk Works has existed to "create revolutionary aircraft" that "push the boundaries of what is possible." Aerion chairman Robert M. Bass agrees, "This relationship is absolutely key to creating a supersonic renaissance. When it comes to supersonic know-how, Lockheed Martin's capabilities are legendary. We share with Lockheed Martin a commit- ment to the long-term development of efficient civil supersonic aircraft." "We are excited to work with Aerion on their development of the next- generation, efficient supersonic jet that will potentially serve as a plat- form for pioneering future supersonic aircraft," says Orlando Carvalho, execu- tive VP, Lockheed Martin Aeronautics. "Following our initial review of Aerion's aerodynamic technology, our conclusion is that the Aerion AS2 concept warrants the further investment of our time and resources." During the past two-and-a-half years, Aerion advanced the aerodynamics and structural design of the AS2 through a previous engineering collabora- tion agreement with Airbus (Toulouse, France). That effort resulted in a prelimi- nary design for wing and airframe struc- tures, a systems layout, and preliminary concepts for a fly-by-wire flight-control system. "We are grateful for Airbus' contribution to the program," says Brian Barents, Aerion executive chairman. "We could not have moved the program to this stage without their support." In May 2017, GE Aviation announced an agreement with Aerion to define a supersonic engine for the AS2. With this latest announcement, Aerion joins Boom Supersonic (Denver, CO, US), which intends to field a supersonic commer- cial passenger AEROSPACE READY TO SHIP: composite routers THE RIGHT TOOL…RIGHT NOW! Some of our most popular designs are now in stock, ready to ship when you need them. Visit www.AMAMCOTool.com/ready_to_ship. Or call: 800.833.2239 (continued on p. 20) Source | Aerion Corp.