Aerion and Honeywell Collaborate on Revolutionary Flight Deck for Supersonic Bizjet

October 31, 2018

Courtney E. Howard

Aerion advanced the aerodynamics and structural design of the AS2 through a previous engineering collaboration agreement with Airbus. The two companies developed a preliminary design of wing and airframe structures, systems layout, and preliminary concepts for a fly-by-wire flight control system.

Aerion Supersonic in Reno, Nevada, and Honeywell Aerospace in Phoenix are collaborating on a revolutionary, connected cockpit for the Aerion AS2, regarded as the first supersonic business jet in history.

“This is a fantastic opportunity to pioneer a new segment of aviation with Aerion,” says Carl Esposito, president, Electronic Solutions at Honeywell. “Honeywell will deliver a comprehensive connected aircraft solution that will enable operators to reach their destinations faster than ever before, maximizing their productivity while providing an exceptional travel experience.”

“Aerion is revolutionizing global mobility with a family of supersonic aircraft, of which the AS2 will be the first. This amazing aircraft embodies the pioneering spirit of aviation and incorporates the greatest technical achievements in decades for our business aviation customers. We are providing a new level of user experience in the cabin, and most certainly in the cockpit,” Aerion CEO Tom Vice adds.

Honeywell Primus Epic avionics are standard equipment on business and regional jet original equipment manufacturer (OEM) platforms and in service on nearly 5,000 aircraft in 20 different models. Primus Epic has accrued nearly 30+ million total flight hours. Similarly, Honeywell mission processors, displays, sensors, radio altimeters, radar, and flight control systems have been enabling supersonic military jets for decades; in fact, officials say “most supersonic aircraft in the free world utilize various Honeywell avionics systems and components.”

Aerion is collaborating with Honeywell, GE Aviation, and Lockheed Martin to develop the Mach 1.4 AS2 supersonic 12-passenger business jet designed to be up to 60 percent faster than today’s civil jets – traveling at 1,000 miles per hour (mph). Aerion plans to fly the AS2 in 2023, with certification expected in 2025.

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Courtney E. Howard is editorial director and content strategist at SAE International, Aerospace Products Group. Contact her by e-mail at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..