Boom Supersonic accomplished a significant milestone on Tuesday with its first flight exceeding the speed of sound, marking a pivotal step towards the revival of commercial supersonic travel.
The XB-1 demonstrator jet achieved a speed of Mach 1.122 during a test flight over California’s Mojave Desert shortly after 8 a.m., following roughly a dozen test flights since last March.
This achievement represents a historic moment for Boom, as it is the first time a private entity has developed a supersonic jet without government backing or involvement. It brings the company closer to its goal of operating the first commercial supersonic flights since the Concorde was decommissioned in 2003.
“A small group of skilled and dedicated engineers has achieved what previously required government resources and vast financial investment,” stated Boom’s founder and CEO, Blake Scholl. “Our overarching aim is to make the advantages of supersonic travel accessible to everyone.”
However, despite this groundbreaking flight, commercial supersonic travel is still years off, and Boom’s prospects are far from guaranteed.
The XB-1 demonstrator is a unique design, comparable in size to a small fighter jet, with a single seat. Its purpose is to test various systems that Boom plans to implement in its full-size prototype.
The forthcoming aircraft, known as Overture, will pose much greater challenges. To be commercially viable, Overture, designed to accommodate around 60 to 80 passengers, must balance fuel efficiency and operating costs with ticket prices that customers are willing to pay.
While the allure of supersonic travel is strong, its practical applications may be limited. Regulations prohibit supersonic travel over populated areas due to the noise of sonic booms, and Overture will lack the range to cross the Pacific Ocean without refueling, which would negate much of the time savings associated with supersonic speeds. This indicates that transatlantic travel may be the most feasible market for Overture.
Additionally, Boom currently lacks a prototype engine. The company has struggled to find a suitable existing engine or a manufacturer willing to create one, prompting them to develop an engine called Symphony in-house. This engine is still under development, and its completion is crucial for Boom’s progress towards their goals.
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It remains uncertain whether Boom can successfully develop a prototype, enter production, and obtain certification without exhausting investor funds. The company maintains that advancements in modern technology and manufacturing can enable it to succeed where the Concorde, known for its high operational costs, fell short.
Despite years of skepticism, Boom has secured numerous significant suppliers, assembled a talented engineering team, and received 130 orders from airlines, including American Airlines and United Airlines.
With Tuesday’s successful test flight, Boom seems to be making strides towards its ultimate vision of commercial supersonic travel.
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