Supersonic Business Jet

Aerion AS2

Since we're talking about airplanes, I thought I'd throw this one in. It's just speculation at this point, but there are at least three outfits thinking about building one. It's basically ridiculous. I mean who needs to shave a couple of hours off their New York to London flight time? But I guess the economics pan out:

“The message from many of today’s long-range business jet operations is very clear: they want a supersonic jet sooner rather than later; a cabin comparable in comfort to today’s long-range jets; a range of 5,000m or better; and they are willing to pay more than $100 million for such an aircraft. That is the supersonic jet we are working to deliver,” said Aerion CEO, Doug Nichols.

Problem with supersonic aircraft is the sonic boom, which can be very annoying for everyone who isn't on board, which is basically everyone. The number of people who fly on business jets is so small as to be inconsequential, except for the amount of power they control.

 But Aerion says that it can achieve what it calls "Boomless Cruise" in certain atmospheric conditions. This would allow it to fly at supersonic speeds without producing a sonic boom on the ground because the shock waves would "dissipate before reaching the ground."

 If you are flying at 60,000 feet there is hardly any air there. I wonder if those are the "atmospheric conditions" he is talking about.

Pretty airplane though, especially with those chrome rings around the engine intakes.