This private supersonic jet is the newest must-have for billionaires
The Aerion AS2 Supersonic Jet is about to make faster-than-sound flight a reality - for those of us with really, really deep pockets
Words: Anna Galbraith
Something’s coming — quickly. It’s fast, fantastic and almost two decades in the making. They call it the AS2 Supersonic jet, and it’s going to be the hot new plaything of billionaires everywhere.
Created by Aerion, with the help of some heavyweight supporters — including the spacemen over at NASA, the AS2 is the result of years of tests, refining the latest concept in high-speed flight.And what speed it is. The jet marks a quantum leap in speed capability — and can cruise efficiently at Mach 0.95, faster than any jet today, without even producing a sonic boom.
It can carry up to 12 passengers around the globe faster than the speed of sound. Thanks to a new wing and airframe design, it reduces drag over conventional delta wing designs by 20%, enabling speeds of up to Mach 1.5 and a range of up to 5,466 miles.
In other words, if you’re late for that boardroom meeting across the pond in New York City, it can knock three hours off a transatlantic flight. And if you’re travelling even further afield, expect to shave over six hours off a trans-Pacific jaunt.
Advanced aerodynamics have allowed Aerion to create a spacious cabin without undue impact on airframe drag and aircraft performance.
And the cabin dimensions are similar to some of today’s most popular long-range cabins. So, if you’re used to your private jet, you’ll take to this like a high-speed duck to water. There’s two seating areas, a large galley, a full-width aft lavatory, and walk in baggage area.
What’s more, furnishings and appointments will be dictated by the customer and will be unsurpassed in quality, craftsmanship, and beauty — meaning you can truly create your very own bespoke home in the skies.
And, if you can feel your wallet bulging, eager passengers won’t have to wait much longer. Initial flights are expected to begin in 2021, with commercial deliveries commencing in 2023.
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