<P> Between May and December 2017, the GE collaboration resulted in moving the engines to the wing leading edge from its trailing edge, it features a T - tail and a higher wing aspect ratio . The final engine configuration is a core with billions of operational hours--suggesting the CFM56--and a new low - pressure section optimised for supersonic speed . Managing the high intake temperatures at high - altitudes is a key challenge for the initial design . An engine for supersonic flight needs a lower bypass ratio than modern turbofans, having a higher flow speed for better efficiency, but this is limited by noise regulations at takeoff, and a lower compression core like the CFM56 is better suited to higher temperatures encountered supersonically . </P> <P> In February 2018, Aerion released the GE engine configuration: the high - pressure core is derived from the eight - stage compressor and single - stage turbine of the CFM56, matched to a new low - pressure section optimised for supersonic speed with a 1.33 m (52in) diameter fan instead of the 155 - 173cm (61 - 68.3 in) fan of the 6: 1 bypass ratio CFM56 . Thrust will be reduced at takeoff to meet Chapter 5 noise regulations, requiring a longer balanced field takeoff as an acceptable compromise . Chapter 5 applies from 2018 to over 120,000 lb (54,000 kg) (54,400 kg) aircraft and all aircraft from 2021 . The CFM56 is derived from the B - 1's GE F101, which was also developed into the F - 14 / - 15 / - 16's GE F110 and its afterburner-less sibling, the U-2 / B - 2's GE F118 . </P> <P> In November 2015, Flexjet confirmed that they had placed a firm order valued at $2.4 billion for twenty Aerion AS2s, with delivery to begin in 2023 . Flexjet CEO Kenn Ricci said the company would use the supersonic jet for overseas flights and also in China, which does not have restrictions on sonic booms . Ricci noted that, with the aircraft traveling at Mach 1.2, its boom would not reach the ground, possibly allowing regulators to permit supersonic flight over land . Flexjet, owned by Directional Aviation Capital, offers customers fractional ownership of aircraft, rather than outright purchase . </P> <P> Data from Aerion </P>

Aerion and lockheed martin join forces to develop world's first supersonic business jet