We’re excited about the news of the World’s First Supersonic Business Jet to be jointly developed by the two leaders in supersonic technology, Aerion, and Lockheed Martin. Can’t wait for this one!

2017 has been an important year for the aeronautics industry. From the unveiling of the world’s largest plane to the exciting announcement of World’s First Supersonic Business Jet, this industry has experienced some massive advancements at a matchless speed.

Two leaders in supersonic technology Aerion and Lockheed Martin announced a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to define a formal and gated process to explore the feasibility of a joint development of the world’s first supersonic business jet, the Aerion AS2. Over the next 12 months, the companies will work together to develop a framework on all phases of the program, including engineering, certification, and production.

The supersonic private jet would comfortably fit 12 passengers while achieving a cruising speed of Mach 1.4 by way of its three engines. With that said, flying at Mach 1.4, the AS2 would have an operational range of 4,200 nautical miles – roughly the equivalent of flying from New York to Milan. The AS2 could extend its range to 5,400 nautical miles if it flew at subsonic speeds.

It’s also a great opportunity for Lockheed Martin.While it’s a massive international company, the Maryland-based firm has seemingly been looking for ways to get back into commercial aviation, and the industry it hasn’t been a part of since the 1980s.While the AS2 has yet to be built, the two firms hope to have the model in the air by 2023 and on the market by 2025.