Boom Supersonic is making strides in reviving commercial supersonic travel with its XB-1 prototype, which recently completed a successful test flight. The company plans to launch its Overture model by 2029, capable of speeds up to Mach 1.7 and designed to operate on non-fossil fuels. Boom has received over 130 orders from major airlines and aims to make supersonic flights accessible worldwide while addressing environmental concerns. However, rigorous testing and regulatory challenges remain before passenger flights can commence.
Is the revival of commercial supersonic travel on the horizon? An American company named Boom Supersonic is leading the charge with its innovative aircraft designed to shatter the sound barrier while accommodating up to 80 passengers. Following a successful initial test flight at supersonic speed in late January, the prototype known as ‘XB-1’ is scheduled to break the sound barrier of 343 meters per second (approximately 1,235 km/h) once again on February 10. This significant milestone brings us closer to the commercialization of this modern descendant of the Concorde, which boasts a design reminiscent of military fighter jets.
Commercial Launch Aimed for 2029
After the XB-1’s groundbreaking supersonic flight, Boom’s CEO and founder shared his excitement about the achievement. He stated that this flight ‘demonstrates that the technology for supersonic passenger flights is here’. Although the current aircraft is undergoing extensive testing and is not yet ready for passengers, its development aims to enable daily flights to nearly 600 destinations worldwide.
The company’s aspirations are set on launching the ‘Overture’ model by 2029. Measuring 60 meters in length, it is designed to achieve a top speed of Mach 1.7—twice the speed of conventional commercial aircraft. Its creators emphasize that Overture will have a range of nearly 8,000 kilometers and could potentially connect London to Miami in just five hours, significantly reducing travel time compared to existing routes.
Boom has reportedly secured over 130 orders and pre-orders from major airlines, including American Airlines, Japan Airlines, and United Airlines, eager to integrate this cutting-edge technology into their fleets. A key feature of the Overture is its ability to operate entirely on non-fossil fuel, addressing concerns over consumption and environmental impacts that have historically plagued supersonic travel.
Should the XB-1 successfully complete its testing, Boom will transition its technological advancements to the final model intended for airline purchase. ‘The next step is to scale up the XB-1 technology for the commercial supersonic aircraft Overture’, the company states. This ambitious aircraft is designed to fulfill Boom’s vision of ‘making the benefits of supersonic flight accessible to everyone’. However, it is worth noting that the unique tilting nose feature of the Concorde has not been replicated in this new design.
Embracing the Concorde’s Legacy
Will the Overture achieve what the Concorde could not? Currently, only one prototype is in the air, and it’s a smaller model not equipped for commercial operations. Before passengers can board this supersonic aircraft, it must navigate through rigorous testing to gain regulatory approval.
The engine, touted as quieter, will need to demonstrate its efficacy, with fuel consumption being a critical focus area. This aspect was a significant factor in the decline of the A380. Additionally, Boom may face a ‘regulatory hurdle’ as the Concorde was prohibited from breaking the sound barrier over populated areas, which limited its flights to transoceanic routes.
Boom is not shy about referencing the Concorde’s legacy and has brought in former pilots from the Franco-British supersonic era to lend their expertise. Notably, Mike Bannister, recognized as the ‘pilot with the most hours on the Concorde’, has been invited to assess the cockpit design of the future Overture, where a prototype has been developed alongside a flight simulator to visualize the upcoming cockpit experience.