Beginnings of a new supersonic era?
REUTERS -- Nov 17 Flexjet said it ordered 20 of Aerion Corp's AS2 supersonic business jets, which will make the private jet travel firm the first to offer publically available supersonic transport since the Concorde was grounded in 2003.
AS2, a three-engine jet that can carry eight to 12 passengers, is being developed by Aerion in collaboration with Airbus Group. It is expected to make its maiden flight in 2021 and enter service in 2023.
Notably, if the Aerion AS2 flies at Mach 1.2 at or above FL350, its sonic boom will not reach the ground -- possibly allowing supersonic flights within the continental US and Europe, in addition to oceanic flights and regions with no supersonic restrictions (notably China).
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