Spirit AeroSystems has entered into a memorandum of agreement to expand its role of in the development of Aerion's AS2 business jet to include production of the forward fuselage. This involves additional investment in the AS2 program and increased engineering resources working on the design of the aircraft's forward fuselage.

Aerion and Spirit first began formal collaboration in early 2019, working on preliminary design of the AS2's forward, pressurised fuselage. Joining the project in the early formative stages of the AS2, Spirit's technical expertise has significantly advanced the design evolution as Aerion moves the supersonic business jet toward production beginning in 2023. At full rate, it is expected that Spirit will build 36 forward fuselage assemblies per year.

"Through our collaboration with Aerion, we have contributed innovative and cost-effective design solutions to help make the AS2 Supersonic Jet a reality," says Tom Gentile, President and CEO, Spirit AeroSystems. "With our expanded agreement, Spirit will bring both its manufacturing and design capabilities to this revolutionary aircraft program."

The AS2 is the first supersonic jet designed to be powered by 100 percent synthetic fuel and reach supersonic speeds without the need for an afterburner.

"Spirit AeroSystems has been an outstanding partner in the design and development of the AS2, and their considerable aerostructures expertise has proven a core enabler in the evolution of our program," says Tom Vice, Aerion's Chairman, President & CEO. "I'm delighted to have expanded our already excellent relationship and look forward to continued collaboration between our two companies as we bring the AS2 to market."