Aerion SSBJ Now a Trijet with Bigger Cabin, More Range

Despite the configuration changes, Aerion anticipates that its now $100 million-plus supersonic business jet will still be certified in 2021.

Aerion’s supersonic business jet is now a three-engine model with a larger cabin and more range, reflecting feedback from a recent operators survey. The new Mach 1.6 aircraft's projected range is 4,750 nm, but Aerion is aiming for 5,300 nm. This is up from the original SSBJ’s projected 4,000-nm range. (Photo: Aerion Corp.)

By Chad Trautvetter • Online Editor

May 20, 2014

Aerion announced today at EBACE that it is redesigning its proposed supersonic business jet (SSBJ) with a larger cabin and more range, reflecting feedback from a recent survey of potential operators. The new aircraft–dubbed AS2, for Aerion supersonic second design–has three as yet unspecified engines versus the two P&W JT8Ds intended for its now-scrubbed predecessor. The design retains a target supersonic cruise speed of Mach 1.6 and a supersonic natural laminar-flow wing, which Aerion calls “the key enabling technology behind practical and efficient supersonic and high-subsonic flight.”

Inside, the aircraft’s larger cabin has a cross-section dimension nearly identical to that of the Gulfstream G550–a height of 6 foot 2 inches and width of 7 feet 3 inches. The 30-foot-long cabin will feature a two-lounge layout, galley and both forward and aft lavatories, as well as a baggage compartment that is accessible in flight. Outside, the AS2’s fuselage is 160 feet long, some 25 feet longer than the originally conceived SSBJ, and wingspan is 70 feet.

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