CIVIL Supersonic
Exosonic, a low-boom supersonic aircraft manufacturer is building a Mach 1.8 Presidential Jet with a 5,000 nautical mile range
Economics of Supersonic Aerion’s shut down brings Concorde’s ceased memories, and yet other optimistic names are paving a way for supersonic travel in the decade ahead
Photograph: Exosonic
By Ayushee Chaudhary Supersonic flights have always managed to infuse enthusiasm among aviation industry stalwarts and the common people alike. Earlier this year, supersonic garnered an extra layer of attention as one of the most awaited supersonic jets, Aerion AS2 shut down before its production could even begin. Additionally, on a contrary note, United Airlines signed an agreement with Boom supersonic to purchase 15 of its Overture airliners. Both of these major events have drawn focus on digging deeper into the economics of the supersonic flight and how the future looks for the sonic era. The closure of Aerion AS2 has highlighted the challenges to sustain the maintenance of supersonic aircraft and the financial ladder that it offers to be climbed including the fuel efficiency concerns. While Aerion AS2 was planned as a business jet, supersonic airliners for commercial use are also on the way. However, the cost of these flights also restricts the reach of the aircraft to the luxury market which further limits the passenger count, arising constant concerns. Significant Sonic Shutdowns Aerion’s sudden announcement to shut down AS2 was a shock for
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the industry as the supersonic business jet had booked orders and had managed to secure the backing of major aerospace names such as Boeing, GE Aviation, Rosen Aviation, Spirit AeroSystems, etc. The company had even achieved the wind tunnel validation recently with the AS2 amassing the equivalent of 78,000 nautical miles flown. Aerion had ensured its confidence that the combination of advanced digital modelling and physical model-based wind tunnel testing will allow Aerion to fast-track development program ahead of 2023 production start.However, the announcement of shutting down evidently showed that none of these was sufficient as Aerion could not secure the much-needed new investment to bring the aircraft to market. Aerion began its journey in 2003, the same year that Concorde stopped services. Almost two decades after Concorde ceased operations, it still holds the title of being the only commercial supersonic aircraft. On March 2, 1969, Concorde 001 took its maiden flight. Eventually 20 aircraft were produced, and 14 entered service with British Airways (BA) and Air France. While Concorde achieved the feat of being in service for 27 years, it was not without concerns. The aircraft was not allowed to fly at its high speed over land due to the sonic boom which meant limited routes. In addition to that,
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