Supersonic business jet to be displayed at this year's Dubai Air Show

F&E Aerospace – organiser of the Dubai Air Show – has confirmed that a business jet designed to fly executives at twice the speed of today's aircraft will be displayed at this year's Dubai Airshow.

Aerion, a US company, will bring the aircraft, which is still in the development stage, to Dubai’s Airport Expo on November 15 – 19, 2009.

It is expected to attract a number of key business aviation buyers, which could determine whether or not the jet goes into production.

Alison Weller, F & E Aerospace director said the air show would provide the perfect setting in which to market the aircraft to potential business aviation customers.

“Private jet travel is all about saving time and in this region in particular, travellers want to get to their final destination as quickly as possible.

“The Middle East attracts a lot of key business aviation buyers, and it is a key highlight of the show.”

The aircraft incorporates patented supersonic natural laminar flow technology that substantially reduces drag at supersonic as well as high-subsonic cruise speeds.

It can be developed using existing powerplant technology from Pratt & Whitney and the company says the jet will be fuel efficient at cruise speeds just below the speed of sound, allowing it to perform short- and long-haul overland missions with the same economies as today’s large business jets.

Range at high subsonic speed is more than 4500 nautical miles and range at supersonic speeds exceeds 4000 nautical miles.