20/12/2022
Image Credit: Boom Supersonic
By David Butler
As many of you may know, supersonic air travel was a realityfor a short time in the latter half of the 20th century, with the Concordebeing the most well-known example of a supersonic airliner. However, theConcorde was retired in 2003 due to a variety of factors, including highoperating costs and environmental concerns.
But now, Boom Supersonic is looking to bring supersonic airtravel back and make it more affordable and sustainable than ever before. Thecompany's flagship aircraft, the Overture, is a supersonic airliner that isdesigned to carry passengers at speeds of up to Mach 1.7
Overture is a supersonic aircraft currently underdevelopment by Boom. It’s expected to be unveiled by 2026, conduct its firstflight in 2027 and receive a type rating by 2029. It’s expected to coverlong-haul flights
But for the Overture to reach these speeds, it needs apowerful and efficient propulsion system. Boom Supersonic recently announcedthe development of a new propulsion system for the Overture, called Symphony.Symphony is a supersonic engine that has been designed and optimizedspecifically for the Overture, and it is expected to provide the aircraft withthe power and efficiency it needs to reach supersonic speeds. Boom hasannounced its partnership with Florida Turbine Technologies (FTT) for enginedesign, GE Additive for additive technology design consulting, and StandardAerofor maintenance.
But what makes Symphony unique is that it is alsosustainable and cost-efficient. The engine uses a mix of biofuels andconventional jet fuel, which reduces its environmental impact and lowersoperating costs. The engine is expected to use 100% SAF, or SustainableAviation Fuel. The engine is expected to have a single-stage fan designed forquiet operation, passively cooled high-pressure turbine and no afterburner. Thisis a major breakthrough for the Overture, as sustainability and cost-efficiencyare key challenges in the development of supersonic air travel.
According to Blake Scholl, the CEO of Boom Supersonic,Symphony is a major step forward for the Overture and for supersonic air travelin general. "We're excited to introduce Symphony, the sustainable andcost-efficient engine for the Overture," Scholl said in a recentstatement. "This engine is a key component of our vision for a future offast, affordable, and sustainable supersonic air travel."
Symphony is not only a major milestone for Boom Supersonic,but it also represents a significant advance in the field of propulsiontechnology. The engine is the result of years of research and development, andit incorporates many advanced technologies, including advanced materials andinnovative cooling systems.
Boom is currently working on the construction of theprototype aircraft and plans to begin test flights in the coming years. If allgoes according to plan, the Overture could be the first supersonic passengeraircraft to take to the skies in decades.
But there are still many challenges ahead, including theneed to overcome regulatory hurdles and address concerns about theenvironmental impact of supersonic flight. However, with the support ofpartners like Symphony, Boom Supersonic is confident that it can overcome thesechallenges and bring supersonic air travel back for the 21st century.
Image Credit: Boom Supersonic By David Butler As many of you may know, supersonic air travel was a reality for a short time in the latter h...