Boom Supersonic Overture

History

In the 1970s, the Concorde marked the advent of supersonic passenger flight, but its viability declined due to issues such as high fuel consumption and the 2000 crash of Flight 4590. By 2016, the aviation industry saw a renewed interest in supersonic travel, with companies like Boom Technology developing the XB-1 prototype as a precursor to a more advanced passenger aircraft. The design, resembling the Concorde with delta wings, a unique stern configuration, and a tubular fuselage housing passenger seats, aims to surpass its predecessor in performance, targeting a Mach 2 speed. The XB-1 prototype, powered by GE CJ610 series turbojets, is expected to conduct flight tests in Colorado airspace before entering service in 2023, with support from Virgin Galactic's The Spaceship Company.

Boom's project signifies a potential resurgence in supersonic passenger travel, with advancements in design and technology promising improved efficiency and performance compared to the iconic Concorde. The aviation community anticipates the XB-1's maiden flight in 2017 or 2018, with adjustments to specifications likely as more information becomes available during the development process. Virgin Galactic's commitment to ordering the first 10 aircraft adds further momentum to the project, indicating a promising future for supersonic air travel.

Specification

BASICS

Year of Operation: 2029

Origins: United States

Status: Program is running.

Crew: 2

Production: 0

Manufacturer: Boom Supersonic (Boom Technology) - USA

Carrier: Japan (possible); UK (possible); US (possible)

Roles

Commercial Aviation: Used in roles serving the commercial aviation market, moving passengers and cargo over long distances.

Business Jet: For roles serving the business aviation market, primarily VIP and regional travel.

VIP service: Used in the VIP (Very Important Person) passenger role, usually with above-average amenities and luxury as standard.

Dimensions and Weight

Length: 205.0 feet (62.48m)

Width/span: 65.6 feet (20.00m)

Height: 24.6 feet (7.50m)

Cured weight: 132,277 lbs (60,000 kg)

MTOW: 264,555 lbs (120,000 kg)

Wgt Difference: +132,277 (+60,000 kg)

Main Aircraft Structure

Monoplan: Designed to use a single main wing main aircraft; this is the most popular arrangement of main aircraft.

Lower: The main aircraft is mounted low on the side of the fuselage.

Tripod: The plane takes the general shape of a triangle, where the leading edge is swept back for high speed efficiency and the trailing edge is straight.

Performance

Installed: XB-1 Demonstrator: 3 General Electric J85 turbojets, each with an estimated thrust of 2,400 pounds.

Maximum speed: 1,687 km/h (2,715 km/h | 1,466 knots)

Maximum: 60,039 feet (18,300 m | 11 km)

Area: 4,598 km (7,400 km | 13,705 nautical miles)

Rate of climb: 10,000 ft/min (3,048 m/min)