Sat, May 22, 2021
Despite Initial Backing By A TX Billionaire and Boeing, It All Goes Bust
Aerion... one of a very few companies currently attempting to build the next generation of supersonic aircraft, this time for the BizJet market, has announced that it is shutting down.
The reason is a familiar one... without the bucks, there can be no Buck Rogers -- even with supportive partners like Boeing, GE and NetJets. As such; the ambitious program to build the AS2 supersonic aircraft has failed to attract sufficient investment and is done before they even got a prototype in the air.
The company has been quoted as stating, "The AS2 supersonic business jet program meets all market, technical, regulatory and sustainability requirements, and the market for a new supersonic segment of general aviation has been validated with $11.2 billion in sales backlog for the AS2..."
"However, in the current financial environment, it has proven hugely challenging to close on the scheduled and necessary large new capital requirements to finalize the transition of the AS2 into production... Given these conditions, the Aerion Corporation is now taking the appropriate steps in consideration of this ongoing financial environment."
The AS2 was expected to net a price of upwards of $120M per airframe and had originally promised to build a major facility on Florida to see the project through. A year ago, the Governor of Florida, Ron DeSantis, participated in a well publicized press conference and announcement event choosing Melbourne as the future home of its global headquarters. More info to follow...
More News
With Testing Soon Complete, Launch Preparations Begin in Earnest Sierra Space's Dream Chaser has been put through the wringer at NASA's Glenn Armstrong Test Facility in Ohio, but w>[...]
Takeoff Roll The process whereby an aircraft is aligned with the runway centerline and the aircraft is moving with the intent to take off. For helicopters, this pertains to the act>[...]
“We’re proud of the hard work that went into receiving this validation, and it will be a welcome relief to our customers in the European Union. We couldn’t be mor>[...]
"Aircraft Spruce is pleased to announce the acquisition of the parts distribution operations of Wag-Aero. Wag-Aero was founded in the 1960’s by Dick and Bobbie Wagner in the >[...]
IDENT Feature The special feature in the Air Traffic Control Radar Beacon System (ATCRBS) equipment. It is used to immediately distinguish one displayed beacon target from other be>[...]