Supersonic business jet details unveiled
Updated on 23 October 2008
Five years since Concorde last flew, an aviation company gave more details of a supersonic business jet that could fly the Atlantic in just over four hours.
The Aerion jet will fly at subsonic and supersonic speeds, reaching as high as around 1,000mph but not emitting any low-level supersonic boom.
Aerion, based in Nevada, USA, reckons its aircraft could fly from New York to Paris in four hours 15 minutes and will be able to cruise as high as 51,000ft.
With wings made from carbon fibre composites, the plane will have a size of cabin between a super-midsize and large business jet, with room for eight to 12 passengers.
The company said the aircraft can use existing power plant technology from US engine company Pratt & Whitney and will operate under existing regulatory speed restrictions with better performance than current large jets.
Aerion sees its creation as being able to fly over many different land masses, including right across the USA, parts of Canada, Australia and Siberia. Trips taking in Dubai in the Middle East are also envisaged.
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