Boom Supersonic Announces Breakthrough in Quiet Supersonic Flight
Boom Supersonic, a leading aerospace company, has unveiled plans for a supersonic airliner capable of flying above Mach 1 without producing a sonic boom. This groundbreaking development could pave the way for regulatory changes, potentially enabling domestic supersonic flights and attracting more airline customers.
Currently, regulations prohibit supersonic flights over land due to concerns about sonic booms. However, Boom’s CEO Blake Scholl expressed optimism about the company’s “Boomless Cruise” technology, which has garnered support from influential figures like Elon Musk, who advocates for regulatory changes to allow supersonic flights over land.
The technology behind this achievement relies on a phenomenon known as Mach cutoff, which allows sound waves to U-turn in the atmosphere at high altitudes. Boom’s XB-1 prototype recently demonstrated this capability by achieving Mach 1.12 over the Mojave Desert. Ground microphones confirmed the absence of sonic booms reaching the surface, showcasing the effectiveness of advanced technology unavailable during the Concorde era.
Despite these advancements, Boom faces challenges in engine development. After major manufacturers declined involvement, the company decided to build its engine, dubbed Symphony. This decision came after a previous contract with Rolls-Royce ended due to a lack of interest in commercial supersonic flight.
If regulations change, the potential impact of Boom’s technology could be significant. Coast-to-coast US flight times could be reduced by up to 90 minutes. However, the Boomless Cruise is effective only between Mach 1.1 and 1.3, below the Overture’s top speed of Mach 1.7. Nevertheless, this breakthrough could make supersonic flight a more practical option for airlines.
Market interest in Boom’s technology is evident, with the company’s order book including 130 orders from major carriers like American Airlines and United Airlines. As Boom Supersonic continues to refine its technology and navigate regulatory challenges, the future of quiet supersonic flight appears increasingly promising.
