Supersonic-jet R&D takes flight in Japan's aerospace sector

Tired of merely supplying parts for Western aircraft, major Japanese engineering companies including IHI and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries are joining forces with Japan's space agency on research and development in supersonic passenger jets, seen as a key step in the next generation of transportation. Their new public-private initiative, Japan Supersonic Research, was announced Wednesday. Members also include Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Subaru and Japan Aircraft Development Corp. The group aims to participate in international projects with such companies as Boeing, starting around 2030 or so. The project could create new opportunities for Japan's aerospace industry, which is now mostly limited to building wings and fuselages for big aircraft makers elsewhere, such as Boeing and Airbus. Setting up a single research center may enable companies here to not only set a direction for this new technology, but also boost their profit margins. Supersonic jets can slash travel time between Tokyo and San Francisco from 10 hours to six. Though fares will likely exceed those for conventional planes, estimates suggest demand for 1,000 to 2,000 supersonic aircraft over the next decade to serve corporate executives, high-level government officials and wealthy travelers. Supersonic flight could also speed disaster response. Among the main hurdles to commercializing the technology are sonic booms, the loud shock waves created when a plane crosses the sound barrier. The Concorde, a supersonic passenger jet introduced in the 1970s and retired in 2003, was barred from flying faster than sound over land. Story has more.<br/>