WASHINGTON, Dec. 15, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Two leaders in
supersonic technology, Aerion and Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT)
announced a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) today 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.
Aerion Chairman Robert M. Bass
stated, "This relationship is absolutely key to creating a
supersonic renaissance. When it comes to supersonic know-how,
Lockheed Martin's capabilities are well known, and, in fact,
legendary. We share with Lockheed Martin a commitment 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 platform for pioneering future supersonic aircraft,"
said Orlando Carvalho, Executive
Vice President, Lockheed Martin Aeronautics.
The MOU is the result of extensive discussions between Aerion
and Lockheed Martin's Skunk Works® Advanced Development
Programs team. For close to 75 years, Skunk Works has existed to
create revolutionary aircraft that push the boundaries of what is
possible.
Lockheed Martin, known for developing the world's leading
supersonic combat aircraft, the F-16, the F-35, and F-22, as well
as the Mach 3+ SR-71 reconnaissance aircraft, is committed to
fostering new innovations and developing supersonic technologies
with civil and commercial applications.
"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," said Carvalho.
"We are committed to remaining on the cutting edge of aerospace
technology and are excited to examine the contribution we might
make to working with Aerion on making aviation history."
During the last two and a half years, Aerion advanced the
aerodynamics and structural design of the AS2 through a previous
engineering collaboration agreement with Airbus. Through that
effort, the two companies developed a preliminary design of wing
and airframe structures, systems layout, and preliminary concepts
for a fly-by-wire flight control system.
"We are grateful for Airbus' contribution to the program," said
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.
The latest announcement with Lockheed Martin further positions
Aerion as the leader in the nascent sector of civil supersonic
aviation.
About Aerion Corporation
Aerion Corporation of Reno,
Nevada, was formed in 2003 to introduce a new era of
practical and efficient supersonic flight. Over more than a decade,
Aerion has developed and demonstrated advanced wing technology in
conjunction with NASA and other leading aeronautical institutions.
This research includes breakthrough work in supersonic natural
laminar flow, the key enabling technology behind the AS2 business
jet.
The 12-passenger AS2 is expected to fly at a maximum speed of
Mach 1.4 over water, and, where permitted by regulation, at speeds
approaching Mach 1.2 without a sonic boom reaching the ground.
Thanks to its unique supersonic natural laminar flow wing, the
aircraft is expected to achieve long range (LA to Paris) and efficiency at supersonic and
subsonic speeds. Once fielded, it will reduce trans-Atlantic trips
by as much as three hours, enabling business leaders to fly
roundtrip between New York and
London in a day.
In November 2015, Aerion announced
a fleet order from fractional aircraft fleet operator Flexjet for
20 AS2 aircraft. Aerion expects the AS2's first flight in 2023 and
certification in 2025.
About Lockheed Martin
Headquartered in Bethesda,
Maryland, Lockheed Martin is a global security and aerospace
company that employs approximately 97,000 people worldwide and is
principally engaged in the research, design, development,
manufacture, integration, and sustainment of advanced technology
systems, products, and services.
More information can be found at www.aerionsupersonic.com.
B-roll available at
https://www.dropbox.com/s/rtl7b3xwwe9aukl/AERION_AS2_PRESS_B-ROLL_171212rev.mp4?dl=0.
Statements in this release about future actions and the
consequences of these actions or not otherwise statements of
historical fact are "forward-looking statements" and, to the extent
attributable to Lockheed Martin, are based on Lockheed Martin's
current expectations and assumptions. Forward-looking statements in
this release include, but are not limited to, the potential that
Lockheed Martin will enter into a binding commitment with Aerion,
the nature and scope of any such commitment, Aerion's technology
and the prospects of the AS2 program. Forward-looking statements
are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors that could
cause actual results to differ materially from future results
expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements.
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SOURCE Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company