USAF calls on Exosonic to develop supersonic transport

Boom softening techniques developed by Exosonic should enable a future business jet to travel over land or water at around twice the speed of current aircraft. All the president's men could be onboard.

Exosonic, a low-boom supersonic aircraft manufacturer, has partnered with the U.S. Air Force's Presidential and Executive Airlift Directorate (PE) to develop a supersonic executive transport.

By utilising Exosonic's boom softening techniques, the aircraft would be able to travel supersonic over land and water, pending regulations, at around twice the speed of existing aircraft.

IPE's contract, sponsored by the Air Force Research Lab, will support Exosonic's efforts to develop and modify the company's commercial supersonic airliner design to serve as an executive transport vehicle. These modifications will include reconfiguring the aircraft cabin to include the required accommodations, communications equipment, and security measures that allow US leaders and their guests to work and rest onboard the aircraft.

"The future for global rapid passenger travel is low-boom supersonic flight. Low boom allows travellers to fly at supersonic speeds without generating disruptive booms for those on the ground," says Norris Tie, CEO of Exosonic. "Exosonic is excited to win this contract as it represents not only commercial but government promise for low-boom supersonic travel."

In partnership with the U.S. Air Force, Exosonic will continue to develop technology that will not only advance the critical missions of our nation but also enhance our commercial abilities to bring quiet supersonic travel to all."

Brig. Gen. Britton, Program Executive Officer of PE adds, "The Presidential and Executive Airlift Directorate is extremely excited to team with Exosonic on our quest to transform the future of executive airlift. As always, we are proud to be leading the charge to deliver cutting-edge technology to the world. Transporting key decision makers and teams around the world in half the time can be the difference between success and failure. Exosonic is a key player in getting us there. By teaming with industry, we are proving the United States Air Force can deliver technology leaps while maximising return on taxpayer investment."