BOOM SUPERSONIC, THE FUTURE OF AIRLINE TRAVEL

Jasper H, Year 11writes...

Boom Supersonic is a startup company, founded in 2014, with the goal of developing a supersonic commercial jet that could fly faster than the speed of sound. The company is based in Denver, Colorado, and led by founder and CEO, Blake Scholl.

The concept for Boom Supersonic began with Scholl’s desire to make long-distance travel faster and more efficient. He recognised that the current state of supersonic travel had not progressed significantly since the retirement of the Concorde in 2003, and saw an opportunity to create a new, more advanced supersonic jet.

In 2015, Boom Supersonic unveiled its first design for a supersonic jet, the XB-1, also known as the “Baby Boom.” The XB-1 is a small-scale prototype of the company’s planned commercial jet, and designed to test the aerodynamics and propulsion systems of the larger aircraft.

In 2019, Boom Supersonic announced a partnership with Virgin Galactic, which invested in the company and committed to purchase 15 supersonic jets, once they become available. Boom Supersonic also received investment from other major players in the aerospace industry, including Boeing HorizonX and Japan Airlines.

In 2020, Boom Supersonic announced that it had completed a successful test flight of the XB-1, which reached supersonic speeds and proved the design of the aircraft was viable. The company is currently working on the development of its commercial jet, which will be named the Overture, with plans to begin test flights in 2024 and commercial operations by 2029.

The Overture will be capable of carrying up to 88 passengers and traveling at speeds of up to Mach 2.2, more than twice the speed of sound and faster than the Concorde. The company claims the Overture will reduce travel time on long-haul routes, such as New York to London, from 7 hours to 3.5 hours.

The potential benefits of supersonic travel include faster travel times and increased efficiency, but there are also concerns about the environmental impact of supersonic jets, including increased noise pollution and the potential contribution to climate change. Boom Supersonic has stated that the Overture will be designed to be as fuel-efficient as possible, and will be carbon neutral by using sustainable aviation fuel.