US Aerospace company Boom Supersonic has rolled out its XB-1 demonstrator aircraft, as it moves towards planned commercial supersonic flights before the end of the decade.
The one-third scale aircraft has a 71-foot-long fuselage, and three General Electric-designed J85-15 engines, providing more than 12,000 pounds of thrust and allowing the aircraft to fly at “breakthrough supersonic speeds”.
Boom plans to fly the XB-1 for the first time in 2021, en route to the rollout of its all-business class Overture supersonic jet in 2025, with type certification slated for 2029.
The company says its Overture aircraft will be able to fly between New York and London in three and a half hours, and between Los Angeles and Sydney in eight and a half hours.
Boom has a total of 30 pre-orders for its Overture aircraft – 20 from Japan Airlines and ten from Virgin Group.
Boom is one of several firms currently developing commercial supersonic jet aircraft, with others including the Aerion Corporation (in partnership with Boeing).
Commenting on the news Blake Scholl, Boom founder and CEO, said:
“Boom continues to make progress towards our founding mission – making the world dramatically more accessible. XB-1 is an important milestone towards the development of our commercial airliner, Overture, making sustainable supersonic flight mainstream and fostering human connection.”
