(Reuters) - Lockheed Martin Corp (N:LMT), the maker of F-35 and F-22 fighter jets, is partnering with plane maker Aerion Corp to develop the world's first supersonic business jet.
Over the next year, the companies would draw up a plan for all phases of the program such as engineering, certification and production to develop Aerion AS2, the companies said on Friday.
Reno, Nevada-based Aerion said it expects the supersonic business jet to be operational by 2025.
In May, General Electric Co's (N:GE) GE Aviation had partnered with Aerion to develop a supersonic engine for the AS2.
U.S. space agency NASA last year had awarded a contract to a unit of Lockheed to design a low-boom flight demonstration aircraft as part of its Commercial Supersonic Technology Project.