Aerion Selects PPG To Supply Windows for AS2

Aerion Supersonic’s AS2 supplier base continues to fill out, this time with the selection of PPG for the flight deck windshields and cabin window transparencies.

This formalizes a collaboration that has been ongoing with PPG on the AS2 program since 2019. In addition, the selection of PPG, which has a 90-year background in the development and supply of transparencies, falls in line with Aerion’s approach to selecting well-established and experienced suppliers for its Mach 1.4 supersonic business jet.

“PPG is a trusted and well-respected name known throughout the aerospace community that brings a comprehensive range of materials and solutions to the AS2 program,” said Aerion chairman, president, and CEO Tom Vice.

Aerion in recent months has announced a spate of supplier agreements for the AS2 as it moves towards the beginning of manufacturing in 2023. These have included Liebherr-Aerospace (integrated air management system), BAE Systems (flight controls), Collins Aerospace (actuation systems), and Spirit AeroSystems (forward fuselage). In addition, Aerion detailed progress on its avionics and connectivity systems with Honeywell.

These supplier relationships have followed the firming up earlier this year of what Aerion believes will be the final design configuration with a delta-shaped wing, revamped empennage, and new elongated nacelle shape, and shortened fuselage. Aerion anticipates reaching the preliminary design review milestone next year.

“Aerion Supersonic selected PPG to develop opportunities for product optimization and to help define the entire cockpit on the AS2 business jet due to our technical expertise in transparencies,” said Steve Knight, PPG's global business director of civil transparencies for aerospace.

Aerion has the goal of flying the first AS2 in the 2025 timeframe with service entry later in the decade.