If you’ve dreamt of flying anywhere in the world in under 4 hours, for a price almost anyone can afford, BOOM Supersonic may grant your wish.
It’s not a reality yet, but it is something that is on their radar. I had the pleasure of meeting BOOM Supersonic’s Founder and CEO Blake Scholl last week at OCON 2017. His vision for the future of BOOM blew me away. But first, a great commercial to put a smile on your face:
In the 70 years since supersonic flight was first achieved, there has never been an independently developed supersonic aircraft – until now.
BOOM is building a prototype (XB-1, known as “Baby Boom”) later this year, which will be flown and tested throughout 2018. It will help their engineers make alterations to their large-scale commercial supersonic jet before putting it into production. It is expected to comfortably seat approximately 50 passengers, in a 1 x 1 configuration. At launch, prices will be similar to today’s business class – 75% lower than what it cost to fly on the Concorde.
Fly at Mach 2.2 (1451 MPH)
At Mach 2.2, 2.6 times faster than today’s commercial airliners, BOOM can cut your transatlantic or transpacific flight times by more than 50%. The company has managed to improve the efficiency of the aircraft using complex computer modeling and harnessing new engine technologies. They’ve also reduced the noise factor of the sonic boom. While they can’t fly over land at supersonic speeds yet (there is a “speed limit” in most countries, irrespective of decibel levels), they can serve a large number of popular travel routes.
What does the future hold?
Blake Scholl indicated that the FAA is supportive of the company’s plans and they’ve managed to get approval for much of their project – with fewer headaches than they had anticipated. He mentioned that the companies ultimate goal is to fly anyone around the world in under 4 hours, and to make it affordable. Using emerging engine and aircraft design technology, he believes this is a real possibility in the not-so-distant future. But for now? BOOM is just going to stick to revolutionizing the commercial airline business.
Don't believe it?
Richard Branson and various other buyers have reserved 25 of the $2 million jets. All BOOM has to do is build it. They already have suppliers lined up. It's just a matter of time, now.