Structural Materials

Structures

Conventional materials and current manufacturing technologies reduce program risk. To achieve structural rigidity and low weight, the wing will be constructed of carbon epoxy, similar to that used in present day production military and civil aircraft. It will have a coated metal leading edge for erosion resistance. The fuselage, empennage and nacelles will be a combination of aluminum and composite materials.

Airframe

While the wing design is the core technological breakthrough of the Aerion supersonic business jet, every aspect of airframe design has been re-examined for supersonic efficiency and stability over a broad speed range. Aerion has obtained patents (or has patents pending) for its innovations in wing design, engine installation and other aerodynamic features. All of these have been integrated through a multi-disciplinary approach using proprietary computer software to optimize the Aerion design coupled with NASA aero codes for performance confirmation.

Fly-by-wire

Fly-by-wire flight control is becoming the system of choice for large business aircraft. In addition to improving reliability, it reduces maintenance and weight, and provides greater flexibility in control system routing and access for service. It allows the designer to maintain excellent handling qualities throughout the flight envelope from takeoff to 1.6 times the speed of sound, and comply with regulatory requirements, while maximizing aircraft performance and efficiency. Perhaps more importantly, fly by wire is being adopted for new transport category aircraft that must meet modern safety standards and the latest regulations without benefit of a "grandfathered" certification basis.