Aerion Supersonic & Spirit AeroSystems Expand Agreement
Aerion has expanded its agreement with Spirit AeroSystems [NYSE: SPR] to enhance the development of the AS2 supersonic business jet. Spirit will now produce the forward fuselage and has committed additional investment and engineering resources to the project. The AS2 is designed to be powered by 100% synthetic fuel, prioritizing environmental responsibility. Expected to begin production in 2023, the AS2 will be assembled at Aerion's new headquarters in Melbourne, Florida, which features a clean energy-powered facility.
- Expanded agreement with Spirit AeroSystems to produce the AS2's forward fuselage.
- Spirit AeroSystems has committed additional investment and engineering resources.
- The AS2 is designed to be environmentally responsible, powered by 100% synthetic fuel.
- Production of the AS2 is expected to commence in 2023.
- None.
RENO, Nev. and WICHITA, Kan., July 28, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Supersonic aircraft company, Aerion, the leader in supersonic technology, today announced it has entered into a memorandum of agreement to expand the role of Spirit AeroSystems [NYSE: SPR] in the development of the AS2 business jet to include production of the forward fuselage. As part of the agreement, Spirit has committed to additional investment in the AS2 program and has increased engineering resources working on the design of the AS2's forward fuselage.
Aerion and Spirit first began formal collaboration in early 2019, working on preliminary design of the AS2's forward, pressurized fuselage. Joining the project in the early formative stages of the AS2, Spirit's technical expertise has significantly advanced the design evolution as Aerion moves the supersonic business jet toward production beginning in 2023. At full rate, it is expected that Spirit will build 36 forward fuselage assemblies per year.
"Spirit AeroSystems has been an outstanding partner in the design and development of the AS2, and their considerable aerostructures expertise has proven a core enabler in the evolution of our program," said Tom Vice, Aerion's Chairman, President & CEO. "I'm delighted to have expanded our already excellent relationship and look forward to continued collaboration between our two companies as we bring the AS2 to market."
"Through our collaboration with Aerion, we have contributed innovative and cost-effective design solutions to help make the AS2 Supersonic Jet a reality," said Tom Gentile, President and CEO, Spirit AeroSystems. "With our expanded agreement, Spirit will bring both its manufacturing and design capabilities to this revolutionary aircraft program."
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 percent 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, Florida - 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.
About Aerion Corporation
Aerion is founded on a core belief of bringing humanity closer. The company's vision is a future where humanity can travel between any two points on our planet within three hours using new transportation networks – powered by clean energy solutions and enabling a world where distance is no longer a barrier. The starting point is sustainable supersonic flight, led by the world's first supersonic business jet – the AS2. More information can be found at www.aerionsupersonic.com.
About Spirit AeroSystems
Spirit AeroSystems designs and builds aerostructures for both commercial and defense customers. With headquarters in Wichita, Kansas, Spirit operates sites in the U.S., U.K., France and Malaysia. The company's core products include fuselages, pylons, nacelles and wing components for the world's premier aircraft. Spirit AeroSystems focuses on affordable, innovative composite and aluminum manufacturing solutions to support customers around the global. More information is available at www.spiritaero.com
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SOURCE Aerion Supersonic
FAQ
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