Flying Supersonic

Supersonic Travel: Advancing Aviation Speed

Supersonic travel, exceeding the speed of sound (Mach 1), is a significant advancement in transportation technology. The science behind it involves overcoming air resistance and managing shock waves. As an aircraft accelerates, it encounters increased air resistance, particularly intense at the speed of sound. Breaking this barrier requires innovative aerodynamic designs and powerful engines capable of propelling the aircraft to speeds exceeding Mach 1, approximately 767 miles per hour (1234 kilometers per hour) at sea level. Additionally, supersonic flight necessitates advanced materials capable of withstanding the intense heat generated by air friction at high speeds.

Concorde, introduced in the late 1960s, was a joint venture between British Aerospace and Aérospatiale, designed to cruise at speeds exceeding Mach 2. Launched into service in 1976, Concorde quickly became synonymous with luxury and speed, attracting affluent travelers seeking unparalleled convenience and prestige. Concorde transported approximately 2.5 million passengers across the Atlantic during its service, primarily catering to affluent travelers seeking faster flight times. Despite its limited capacity, Concorde remained a symbol of speed and luxury until its retirement. However, despite its technological prowess and cult following, Concorde's operational lifespan was marred by challenges, including high operating costs, limited capacity, and safety concerns following a tragic crash in 2000.

Revolutionizing Air Travel: The Rise of Supersonic Flight

In the pursuit of reviving the bygone era of supersonic flight, NASA isn't the sole contender; Boom Supersonic, a Colorado-based private company, is at the forefront, aiming to reintroduce commercial supersonic flights to US airlines by 2029. Their flagship passenger aircraft, Overture, is projected to achieve speeds of up to Mach 1.7, translating to roughly 1,300 miles per hour—twice as fast as contemporary passenger planes.

The implications of such speeds are profound. Passengers could traverse distances like New York to Rome in just five hours (down from eight), Honolulu to Tokyo in four hours (from over eight), and Zurich to Philadelphia in less than five hours (compared to nine).

Boom's initial test aircraft, XB-1, is poised for its inaugural flight in early 2024 at California's Mojave Air and Space Port. Acting as a supersonic demonstrator jet, XB-1 serves to validate Boom's capability to breach the sound barrier, distinct from an aircraft intended for passenger transport. (The Overture, earmarked for passenger service, isn't slated for testing until 2026.)

"Over the last 12 months, XB-1 has received its airworthiness certificate from the Federal Aviation Administration, completed an extensive Flight Readiness Review (FRR), and successfully executed a series of integrated ground and taxi tests," Boom notes on its website. The XB-1 has attained speeds of up to 108 miles per hour during ground taxi tests. Prior to flight, it must undergo several additional ground tests, including high-speed taxiing.

Boom asserts that the Overture aircraft is being meticulously designed to meet contemporary takeoff and landing noise standards, with plans for supersonic crossing limited to over water. In the future, Boom may integrate NASA's quiet boom technology, as per a company spokesperson. "When flying over land, Overture can fly significantly faster than subsonic commercial jets—about Mach 0.94, without breaking the sound barrier," a Boom spokesperson adds. "This is about 20% faster than subsonic flight."

Learnings from XB-1’s test flights will inform the development of the Overture jet, poised to carry passengers beyond the sound barrier. Several US airlines have already committed to Boom's supersonic aircraft, anticipating a resurgence of Concorde-like travel.

United Airlines spearheaded this trend, procuring 15 Overture jets, set for delivery in 2029, with an option for an additional 35. "Among the many future potential routes for United are Newark to London in just three and a half hours, Newark to Frankfurt in four hours, and San Francisco to Tokyo in just six hours," United announced with the purchase.

American Airlines joined the fray, ordering up to 20 Overture aircraft, with an option for 40 more. The airline envisions potential supersonic routes such as "Miami to London in just under five hours and Los Angeles to Honolulu in three hours."

While pricing will ultimately rest with the airlines, Boom CEO Blake Scholl suggests that the planes are designed to compete with current international business-class fares, starting at around $5,000.

Internally, the planes promise a more exclusive experience compared to current international flights, accommodating just 64 to 80 passengers. Boom is crafting its supersonic cabin to rival top business-class products, featuring spacious personal windows, direct aisle access, dedicated underseat storage, and a first-class, lie-flat experience.

The resurgence of supersonic air travel holds promise for a more sustainable future. Quieter sonic booms and net-zero carbon emissions, facilitated by the use of sustainable aviation fuel, could mitigate environmental impact.

In sum, the revival of supersonic jets may usher in a new era of luxurious flying, offering unprecedented speed and comfort. With time as the ultimate commodity, the allure of supersonic travel is undeniable, promising to redefine the way we traverse the globe.