A supersonic presidential aircraft, capable of flying over 2.200 kilometers per hour, with futuristic technology and futuristic design. A Californian startup is working on it Exosonic, to which the US Air Force - the USAF - has entrusted the project to develop theAir Force One of the future. The images of the prototype of the new supersonic jet, both exterior and luxurious interior, were published by CNN. The aircraft will be able to carry up to 31 passengers. Leather seats, accessories in oak and quartz wood, private suites for work and to rest comfortably despite a speed double that of the Boeing 747s, the aircraft used for the current Air Force One and Air Force Two. The new supersonic plane, says the CEO of Exosonic, will not be able to fly before 2035.
Exosonic has received a contract from Presidential and Executive Airlift Directorate (PE) after impressing the military with the design of a supersonic aircraft that travels at Mach 1.8. Mach 1.8, or roughly 1.381 miles per hour (2.222 kilometers), is more than double the typical cruising speed of a classic commercial aircraft.
CNN had the exclusive right to view the plane project, designed to carry mainly VIP passengers. The Exosonic aircraft, in the non-presidential version, can carry 70 passengers who will be able to enjoy areas finished with luxurious accessories in leather, oak and quartz and exclusive suites equipped with all the comforts of technology to be able to work and rest.
"With this project we are planning to implement new technologies that are not available today or not yet seen on commercial or business aircraft.", he claims Stephanie Chahan, one of Exosonic's leading interior designers. Through a virtual visit, Chahan illustrates the interior of the supersonic aircraft to CNN operators. The first of the two private suites is the meeting room for three passengers, with the possibility of being able to make secure teleconferences, go online or contact the press.
The swivel seats are made of leather with wooden shells and the video monitor can be stowed in a rolled-up position to make room on the sideboard for food trays or additional presentation equipment.
The second suite for eight passengers has reclining seats and the height of the table is adjustable. Then there is the main cabin with 20 seats, plus two kitchens, two bathrooms and plenty of storage space.
The seat backs have spaces to hold electronic devices in addition to traditional seat monitors. Exosonic's plane has a range of 5.000 nautical miles and will be able to fly at nearly double the speed of sound. "The future of rapid global passenger travel is the low-boom supersonic flight", says Norris Tie, CEO of Exosonic.
Exosonic isn't the only aviation startup to receive investment from the US Air Force. The aeronautical company Hermeus , based in Atlanta, is working on a 20-seat hypersonic aircraft that will transport passengers from New York to London in 90 minutes.
Hypersonic travel in the future involves reaching speeds of Mach 5 or higher, five times the speed of sound. Hermeus has already successfully tested a Mach 5 engine prototype last February.