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Supersonic aircraft company Aerion, the leader in supersonic technology, and Honeywell Aerospace, the global benchmark in connected cockpit technology, are progressing through the joint definition phase for the avionics and connectivity suite of the new AS2 supersonic business jet.
“Honeywell Aerospace is the definitive leader in cutting-edge avionics technology, and we are delighted to continue our long-standing collaboration,” said Aerion’s chief executive officer, chairman and president, Tom Vice. “We appreciate the considerable investment in resource that Honeywell has made in our program, and we look forward to continued collaboration as we work with our global supply team to bring the AS2 into production.”
Upon completion of commercial and programmatic agreement, the avionics suite being developed for the AS2 will represent the next generation of avionics suites for business aircraft featuring:
- Honeywell’s next-generation, state-of-the-art flight deck — an advanced display system incorporating intuitive symbology, advanced communication and navigation systems, plus flight guidance and management systems. All aspects of the new avionics will support supersonic flight and Aerion’s revolutionary Boomless Cruise technology, which enables the AS2 to fly at both transonic and supersonic speeds over land with no perceived noise reaching the ground.
- Honeywell’s advanced connectivity solutions and Honeywell Forge platform, which will enable the AS2 to deliver safety-critical communications, as well as critical aircraft data into information to revolutionize management of aircraft operations and maintenance.
“Honeywell is committed to advancing the future of flight, and our work with Aerion is paving the way for the return of supersonic travel,” said Mike Madsen, Honeywell Aerospace president and CEO. “Our avionics and connectivity solutions will help define the next era of air travel, and make it safer and more efficient than ever before.”
Aerion and Honeywell began their formal collaboration in 2018, working on preliminary design of the AS2’s avionics systems. Joining the project in the formative stages, Honeywell’s expertise is helping shape a new bespoke avionics system for the AS2.
Honeywell is uniquely positioned to provide avionics for the world’s first supersonic business jet. Honeywell Primus Epic avionics are currently standard equipment on leading business and regional jet OEM platforms and in service on more than 6,000 aircraft in 20 different models. Primus Epic has accrued nearly 30 million-plus total flight hours. Similarly, Honeywell mission processors, displays, sensors, radio altimeters, radar, and flight control systems have been enabling thousands of supersonic military jets for decades. Most supersonic aircraft in the free world utilize various Honeywell avionics systems and components. This unique combination of business jet and supersonic experience enables Honeywell to develop an innovative supersonic business jet cockpit for the AS2.
Aerion’s pursuit of faster point-to-point travel begins with the launch of the new AS2 supersonic private jet. Designed to be inherently environmentally responsible from first flight, the AS2 is the first supersonic jet designed to be powered by 100 per cent synthetic fuel and reach supersonic speeds without the need for an afterburner.
The AS2 will be the first aircraft to be assembled at Aerion’s new global headquarters in Melbourne, Fla. — Aerion Park. The state-of-the-art development, powered by clean energy, will incorporate headquarters operations plus an integrated campus for research, design, build and support of the company’s new supersonic aircraft.
