Technologies shape lives and technologies are shaped around lives. Irrespective, they signal advancement, moving to a higher plane. If we look around, the first and most visible thing in recent times that comes to mind is mobile technology, how rapidly it has been evolving and becoming part of a cultural evolution and not just technological. The mobile technology domain, dynamic that it is, has short shelf life, unlike the topic we are going to look at—business jets. Aircraft technologies have longer gestation time and longer shelf life. Given this perspective, nevertheless we see that there is considerable advancement in business jet technologies, driven by factors such as cost-reduction, life-cycle cost, environmental concerns, need for comfort, need for speed and above all need for safety.

Supersonic Business Jets

Let us begin with the need for speed. To mind comes supersonic and a supersonic business jet (SSBJ) which would be a small business jet, intended to travel at speeds above Mach 1.0 and typically designed to carry about 10 passengers. At present, there are no SSBJs, but several manufacturers are working on or have worked on designs. One of them is Aerion SBJ (supersonic business jet) which states that aircraft speeds haven’t improved much in the past 20 years and that it can prove there is a viable alternative to business as usual. By focusing on fine-tuning the aerodynamic properties of an aircraft, Aerion technology coaxes new, higher levels of speed and efficient performance. During the past ten years, Aerion has successfully merged decades of airborne and ground-based aerodynamics research for a single mission—supersonic flight bereft of compromise.

What is Aerion’s proposed supersonic business jet? It says it includes progressive, demonstrated wing technology; proven Pratt & Whitney propulsion systems and structural materials, manufacturing techniques and in-flight systems. It’s an evolutionary solution with revolutionary results. Due to this there has been increased market demand from a variety of aircraft manufacturers for Aerion’s natural laminar flow (NLF) expertise and the company has set up Aerion Technologies consulting services. Aerion has found that the same proprietary technologies and design tools that enable a practical supersonic business jet can also be a game-changer in subsonic and transonic applications.

In 2013, Aerion Corporation announced that the next round of high-speed test flights in conjunction with NASA’s Dryden Flight Research Center began with approximately ten flights to occur during a six- to eight-week period. These tests, using an Aerion phase two test article mounted under the centreline position of NASA’s F-15B research aircraft flown at speeds up to Mach 2.0, are intended to measure the real-world robustness of supersonic natural laminar flow, a vital element in the company’s design for the world’s first supersonic business jet. Let us look at some of the airframers and how they are competing with the introduction of newer technologies.

Bombardier’s Innovative Technologies

In October 1963, the first Learjet aircraft rocketed through the sky and the business jet industry was born. Now, 50 years young, the world’s first family of business jets is still in the lead. Their unmatched styling, unrivalled performance and innovative technologies continue to inspire new generations of leaders around the world. This is 50 years of passionate leadership, this is 50 years of transforming flight, and this is Learjet.

The Canadian manufacturer Bombardier Aerospace continues to move towards certification of its Learjet 85 in the third quarter of 2014, the biggest and fastest of the family till date. Bombardier reports that the model will have a highspeed cruise of Mach 0.82 and a range of 3,000 nautical miles. Priced at $19.7 million, it will occupy a market niche between the Learjet 60XR and Challenger-300. Also under development are the Learjet-70 and 75, both of which are expected to enter service this year. The Learjet-70 is an upgrade of the Learjet-40 and the Learjet-75 is an enhanced version of the Learjet-45.

Bombardier’s Challenger-350 is an upgrade of the Challenger-300, with new wings, more powerful Honeywell HTF7350 engines, more range, larger interior and Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 advanced avionics.

Global Family of Ultra Long-Range Jets

Meanwhile, the aerospace major continues working towards the debut of its ultra long-range corporate jets—the Global 7000 and Global 8000. The Global 7000 will feature a spacious fourzone cabin, to carry ten passengers, giving them 20 per cent more living space than the cabin of the current model. The aircraft will have a high-speed cruise of Mach 0.90 and a range of 13,520 km at Mach 0.85. It will be powered by the next-generation General Electric Passport 20 16,500 lbf (73 kN) thrust engines to deliver significant efficiency and emissions advantages, including reduced NOx emissions and an eight per cent overall fuel efficiency when compared to the industry leading Global Express XRS aircraft. Entry into service is scheduled for 2016.

The Global 8000, able to fly farther than any other business jet, will feature a three-zone cabin and a range of 14,631 km at Mach 0.85. It will be powered by the next-generation GE Passport 20 16,500 lbf (73 kN) thrust engines to deliver significant efficiency and emissions advantages, including reduced NOx emissions and an eight per cent overall fuel efficiency when compared to the industry leading Global Express XRS aircraft. The Global 8000 jet will reach a high-speed cruise of Mach 0.90. Entry into service is scheduled for 2017.

Cessna’s Subtle Winglets

Cessna announced in 2011 the launch of its Citation Latitude midsize jet, expected to carry eight passengers at a maximum cruise speed of 442 knots. Cessna expects it to enter service in 2015. Immediately following this is the super midsize jet – Longitude which is likely to have a range of about 4,000 nautical miles at Mach 0.82. Longitude is expected to be certified in 2017. The Citation M2 fills a gap between the Citation Mustang light jet and the CJ family. Cessna says its subtle winglets will give it a range of approximately 1,300 nautical miles and a maximum cruise speed of 400 knots.

Cessna’s new CMS, which was developed for the just announced Citation Ten business jet, integrates the aircraft’s avionics, electrical systems, communications and CMS via a fibre opticconnected, touch-screen controlled command system. This is a quantum leap beyond CMS as a distraction for bored passengers.

“The rapid evolution of mobile technology development is driving new and exciting introductions into the consumer product arena, which is greatly influencing how customers view cabin management systems today,” says Cindy Halsey, Cessna’s Vice President of Interior Design Engineering and Development. “What began as simple lighting and audio control systems has evolved into complex ambience, entertainment and cabin communication management systems. Technological developments such as flat screen monitors, DVDs, MP3 players, LED lighting, Internet, Wi-Fi, Blu-ray, OLED displays, graphical user interfaces (GUIs), iPhone, Android—and the list goes on at an unprecedented pace—are posing amazing opportunities and incredible challenges to the aviation sector.”

“The Cessna CMS features an interactive, touch-screen system controller at each passenger seat for audio (digital media, MP3/iPhone), video (digital, Blu-ray), interactive moving map, cabin temperature, lights, window shades and even cabin diagnostics,” says Halsey. “The dual club-seat cabin arrangement also includes 110- or 220-volt electrical outlets and multiple USB/device inputs. High-speed Internet browsing, satellite radio and cabin Wi-Fi are available as options.”

Dassault Aviation at the Forefront of Research

Dassault is consistently at the forefront of aviation research and development. Creating, refining and implementing the advances in technology and design that will improve the performance, comfort, efficiency and environmental footprint of future generations of our aircraft. The company plays a key role in the Advisory Council for Aeronautical Research in Europe (ACARE) to develop an aviation strategic research agenda for 2020: the European Union’s Clean Sky programme. This seeks to develop new technologies to reduce noxious emissions and noise levels on aircraft entering service at the beginning of the next decade, as well as the EU’s SESAR next-generation air traffic management system, due within the same time frame. Dassault engineers are well on the way towards meeting aggressive new environmental goals set under these initiatives. These include a 50 per cent reduction in carbon dioxide (CO₂), an 80 per cent cut in nitrogen oxides (NOx) and a 50 per cent drop in perceived noise on the ground.

In the first quarter of 2013, Dassault received certification for its latest business jets—the Falcon 2000S and 2000LXS. And at the 66th annual convention of the National Business Aviation Association to be held later this month, it is unveiling a new aircraft; some speculate it could be midsize.

Gulfstream’s Technologically Advanced Business Jet

Gulfstream has made enormous strides in technology development. Take the case of the G650; it is the gold standard in business aviation. The G650 can cover shorter distances at a speed of Mach 0.925. No traditional business jet will be closer to the speed of sound. The G650, the most technologically advanced business aircraft in the sky, comes with many advanced safety features such as enhanced vision system II, the head-up display (HUD) II and the synthetic vision-primary flight display (SV-PFD). Its Planeview II cockpit comes equipped with a triplex flight management system, automatic emergency descent mode, 3-D weather radar, advanced flight controls—in short, a full array of sophisticated, next-generation technology to improve pilot situational awareness and enhance safety. Gulfstream engineers paid particular attention to the cabin environment. In fact, they designed it from the inside out. Longer, wider and taller than any other cabin in its class, the G650 living environment provides comfortable accommodations for up to 18 passengers. The cabin can be configured with a four-place conference table with two additional seats across the aisle for meals or meetings for up to six people. Enjoy wider seats, more aisle room and a large stateroom option for resting up between world capitals.

Embraer’s Midlight and Midsize Jets

Launched as a concept called the midlight jet (MLJ) in 2007, the Legacy 450 and its big brother the Legacy 500 are to enter service in the near future. Legacy 450 is designed to carry seven to eight passengers over 4,300 km. The aircraft has full fly-by-wire flight controls, a Collins Pro Line Fusion flight deck, Honeywell HF7500 series engines, and a full stand up flat floor cabin. The Legacy 500, which was launched at EBACE in 2008, can be configured to carry up to 12 passengers, and can carry eight passengers over 5,190 km, or four passengers over 5,600 km. Embraer’s originally announced timeline for first flight and certification of the Legacy 500 had to be revised because software development for the aircraft’s fly-by-wire control system was running behind schedule. Rockwell Collins is supplying its Pro Line Fusion integrated avionics suite for the Legacy 500’s cockpit. Legacy 500 is scheduled for entry into service in early 2014 and Legacy 450 in late 2014.

Beechcraft’s Advanced Turboprop Technology

Beechcraft designs, builds and supports versatile and globally renowned aircraft, including the King Air turboprops and the piston-engine Baron and Bonanza. The first new product from Beechcaft could be an 8/11-seater turboprop, powered by Pratt & Whitney single engine. It would use the composite fuselage of the Premier I light business jet. As for King Air 350i, it has topend technology equipped with the Rockwell Collins Venue cabin management system and state-of-the-art Beechcraft FlexCabin capability. The King Air 350i sets the standard in cabin comfort, business capability, in-flight productivity and entertainment. It delivers unmatched fuel efficiency and the lowest operating cost per seat mile, making it the greenest aircraft in its class.

Business Jet Trends

Honeywell predicts that nearly 10,000 new business jets valued at $250 billion will be shipped during 2012-22 with a trend towards larger models. One can expect lot of technology development in that direction along with the need for going ‘green’. Dassault claims that their Falcon is among their fleet of the most environmentally-friendly jets on the planet. The company implements its “eco-design” concept, “from the mining of raw materials to production, from in-service operation to end of service and recycling”.

In-flight Entertainment

With customers demanding comfort and up to date in-flight entertainment, the industry has seen some marvellous developments. Companies such as Custom Control Concepts will turn one’s jet into a screening room, install a concert-quality sound system and integrate their system with favourite entertainment devices, including video game consoles, smart phones and tablets. Staying connected whether on ground or in air is part of the technological strides made. Duncan Aviation was among the first to install a broadband system in a business jet, allowing passengers to use their laptops to access the Internet and email. Since that first installation in early 2009, Duncan Aviation has installed many more systems in seven aircraft models.

Whether it is the avionics, the engine, the communication systems, in-flight entertainment, the interiors—the business jet industry is up there—staying ahead of the aspirations of the high-flying.