The world’s first supersonic jet could be a reality in a mere six years. The AS2 plane could reach speeds as fast as 1,217mph, enabling passengers to travel from London to New York in as little as three hours.

Airbus, an aerospace company that manufactures civil aircraft, hopes to debut the world’s first supersonic jet by 2021 and provide commercial flights for businesses by 2023. The AS2 plane, dubbed the Son of Concorde, has the potential to reach speeds almost as fast as the Concorde, which clocked in at a staggering 1,350 mph.^[1]

Despite an ambitious timeline, the AS2 plane is still in its preliminary stages. Airbus has partnered with Aerion and plans to choose a manufacturing site based in the U.S. for the jet sometime in the first half of next year.

Big project with little time

For the production site, Aerion will require 100s acres near a U.S. airport coupled with a runway which stretches 9,000 feet long. The company hopes to break ground on the factory in 2018. The project actually began in 2002 but was put on hold as a consequence of the 2008 financial crisis. The project is expected to cost $100 million in its entirety.^[1,2]

Airbus will be responsible for the jet’s major components and Aerion will be responsible for the final assembly. Thus far, initial designs for a carbon-fiber wing structure, fuselage, landing gear and a fuel system have been made.^[1]

According to Allan McArtor, chairman and CEO of Airbus Group, “The collaboration between Aerion and Airbus Group has been extremely beneficial and productive. The further we proceed along the development path with Aerion, the greater our enthusiasm for this program and the deeper our commitment.”^[3]

“Under our new agreement, our two companies are working as one to bring Aerion’s supersonic AS2 to the business jet market,” he added. “This undertaking is completely in line with Airbus Group’s legacy of developing innovations in flight.”^[3]

The AS2 plane will have wings which reduce total drag by approximately 20 percent. This will allow the jet to use less fuel and soar at greater distances. It will include a luxurious 30-foot cabin capable of seating up to 12 passengers.

“We see clear and achievable technical solutions to the design of a supersonic jet, and a realistic road map for helping Aerion proceed toward construction and flight,” said Airbus senior vice president Ken McKenzie.^[2]

Breaking the sound barrier and beyond

The U.S. prohibits planes from traveling at the speed of sound, which is about 750 mph. Traveling overland while reaching the sound barrier can produce super sonic booms. Over Europe, however, the AS2 could fly at supersonic speeds under the radar.

British Airways put an end to Airbus’ Concorde airliner after 27 years of service. The airliner traveled at twice the speed of sound in October 2003, which brought an end to the supersonic passenger jet. Contemporary commercial jets tend to travel at speeds ranging from 480 mph to 560 mph.^[1]

“We will proceed with an engine that allows us to meet our performance goals with the minimum changes required,” CEO Doug Nichols said in a statement. “Solutions are in sight with today’s engine technology.”^[2]

Sources include:

[1] DailyMail.co.uk

[2] Bloomberg.com

[3] WalesonLine.co.uk