Collins Aerospace Systems has secured work from Aerion Supersonic to design the flight controls’ actuation system for the developmental AS2 business jet.
The Raytheon unit will develop the aircraft’s moveable leading edge actuation system, elevons actuation system, horizontal stabiliser actuation system and rudder actuation system.
“The very nature of supersonic travel presents some unique challenges when it comes to designing reliable and precise systems to guide the aircraft – and we are eager to address them head-on as part of the Aerion team,” says Ed Dryden, vice president Actuation Systems at Collins Aerospace.
“Collins Aerospace has a long history in advancing complex actuation systems for both commercial and military platforms, and we look forward to continuing this legacy with the AS2.”
Production of the three-engined AS2 is set to commence in 2023. The aircraft will have a passenger capacity of 8-10. A first flight is planned for 2024 with service entry planned for 2026.
AS2 will cruise at Mach 1.4, making it capable of flying between New York and Cape Town in 9h 56min, which is 3h 39min less than “standard flights”, the company has said.
In early June, GE Aviation said it has been making progress with the AS2’s Affinity powerplant, which will provide thrust in the region of 20,000lb (89kN).
In December 2019, Aerion Supersonic named several suppliers to the programme including Aernnova Aerospace, GE Aviation, GKN Aerospace, Potez Aeronautique and Safran.
