Next Generation Supersonic Transport

Next Generation Supersonic Transport is the working title of a new supersonic aircraft, on which the Japanese space agency JAXA is working. In 2015 the first aircraft to be put into operation.

Next Ishikawajima - Harima involved Heavy Industries, Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and Fuji Heavy Industries. Boeing and NASA are considering a stake in the project.

The JAXA sees the aircraft in response to the increasing demand for passenger capacity. The aircraft will carry more passengers in less time on long journeys. Thus, there are considerations that route New York - Tokyo to deal with in six hours.

The aircraft will provide space for 300 passengers and can reach a cruising speed of over Mach 2. The Japanese engineers have placed high demands on themselves: they want to build an aircraft that is quiet, environmentally friendly, convenient and economical to operate.

History

In June 2005 at the International Air Show in Le Bourget Paris was signed by representatives from France and Japan first cooperation contracts for the construction of a Concorde successor. For the next three years, both countries want to wear together with an annual research expenses of 1.5 million. Supposedly, the plans of the supersonic aircraft Tupolev Tu -244 were purchased. At its base is now to develop this aircraft.

On October 10, 2005, there was an initial test flight with a model across Australia. A launcher has promoted and notched the model to an altitude of 19 km. Then the model is flown about 15 minutes at Mach 2 before it went on parachutes to the ground. It is hoped that new insights into the materials used at high speeds. According to Japanese data, the cost of the test amounted to 8.2 million euros.