Supersonic biz jet "what if:" Aerion AS2

[ReynoldsSlumber]

A company called Aerion had what looked like the most thoroughly engineered and promising supersonic business jet design of modern times, the AS2. It was to be powered by three modified P&W JT8Ds, or later by three GE engines derived from the CFM 56. The company closed up shop in 2021. But the configurations were so striking that I'd love to make models of them someday. Anyone else interested in research and plan-making on one or more of these?

AS2 2014 version


AS2 2014 version update


AS2 2017 version


AS2 2020 version

[whulsey]

Good looking designs!

[mbauer]

Really like the 2020 design, any idea of the scale? Specs available?

Or is this a scale as you freehand draw the fuselage, wings etc. to get a "Look-a-Like" version?

Mike

[ReynoldsSlumber]

Good question Mike, I don't think actual plans with sections etc. are available anywhere—doubt there was a finalized production design—but there are a few scarce 3-views and specs. Based upon a quick search:

2014 version: 61' wingspan, 170' long
2020 version: 79' wingspan, 145' long (and 1.5X the weight of the 2014 one)

2015 SAE article with 3-view and internal structure
2020 Aviation Week article with top view and major assemblies
2020 Aviation Week article with top view and internal structure

Funny about different aesthetic tastes: my faves are the middle two designs, with the laminar wing. The first one was super cool, but that long middle engine intake apparently was too lossy.

[Isaac]

when the concept first surfaced , I was wondering who will purchase such an expensive plane ( I would estimate at $250 or more each. As a reference, a large size business jet costs now about $65 million and then you need an additional $30 million to finish the interior ); and how many can they sell.

My quick realization is that only a handful will be sold. Thus you can not amortize it over a small number ( they needed to take a lesson from the Concorde program ).


Most of the engine thrust is needed for takeoff and acceleration to Mach 2+. Once in cruise you only need half the trust or less depending on the altitude ( probably around 60,000 ft ).

But enough about reality, those are good looking designs with good potential if a large number can be built.


lastly, in my opinion, the engines need to be buried in the fuselage and blended to reduce the drag even further.


I would love to see a model of it!!!!!!!!!!!


Isaac

[mbauer]

Originally Posted by ReynoldsSlumber

Good question Mike, I don't think actual plans with sections etc. are available anywhere—doubt there was a finalized production design—but there are a few scarce 3-views and specs. Based upon a quick search:

2014 version: 61' wingspan, 170' long
2020 version: 79' wingspan, 145' long (and 1.5X the weight of the 2014 one)

2015 SAE article with 3-view and internal structure
2020 Aviation Week article with top view and major assemblies
2020 Aviation Week article with top view and internal structure

Funny about different aesthetic tastes: my faves are the middle two designs, with the laminar wing. The first one was super cool, but that long middle engine intake apparently was too lossy.

Thank you.
3-view of the early version: got it thanks.

Not, a 3-view available for the 2020 version, just need a side view; and from what I can see, should be be able to draw something close.

Planning on a catapult glider version, for now.

Mike

[ReynoldsSlumber]

Originally Posted by mbauer

[...] from what I can see, should be be able to draw something close.

Planning on a catapult glider version, for now.

Nice! Would love to see that. It might even glide right about at scale speed.

[mbauer]

Using what was available, great top view, however no side view.

Here is what my model looks like, a few graphic changes is all, part fit was good.






You can see what happened to my F-106 Wrist Rocket model. Cardstock de-laminated: plan to use a small wood dowel hook next.


I do have the 3-view drawing for the older version that looks like a F-104 Stretch version...Will create one of them next.

Still heavy with glue weight, hoping after 24-hours of drying it doesn't do the nose-dive flight pattern it currently uses......

Mike

[ReynoldsSlumber]

That was fast, nice! Fun stuff with the graphic design on there.

[mbauer]

Originally Posted by ReynoldsSlumber

That was fast, nice! Fun stuff with the graphic design on there.

Thank You.

Once the moderators approve, it is a download now in the Civilian Aviation Download section.

The wings make it look good. Really like the cranked arrow design they switched too.

Mike