Two American aircraft manufacturers are planning to create a passenger airliner that will allow flights from Moscow to Vladivostok in 3.5 hours, the Washington publication writes.
Innovative aviation technology leaders Lockheed Martin and Aerion have agreed to jointly develop the first in the world supersonic aircraft Aerion AS2. This business jet will be able to reach speeds of up to 1,700 km/h and carry up to 12 passengers. The developers expect that the AS2 aircraft will allow covering long distances in the shortest possible time. For example, a flight from Moscow to Vladivostok will take only 3.5 hours. Currently, such a journey by air takes more than 8 hours. After entering into operation, the supersonic aircraft will also allow making a transatlantic flight in both directions within one day. In addition, one of the tasks that the developers set for themselves is to achieve a low noise level when moving the liner. According to Aerion's calculations, the first flight of the AS2 aircraft should take place in 2023.
Let's add that Lockheed Martin is known for its F-16, F-35 and F-22 supersonic combat aircraft. And Aerion engineers can boast of developing a special wing for supersonic aircraft.
In November, representatives of the Russian company Tupolev also announced that they were ready to create a supersonic aircraft with a range of several thousand kilometers and a capacity of 20-25 passengers. Such an airliner, according to the deputy general director of the design bureau Valery Solozobov, will operate on liquid hydrogen. The only thing needed to begin the design is a customer who is ready to invest in such an expensive project.
Source: news.turizm.ru