An aircraft developed by Boom Supersonic recently made history by becoming the first independently funded jet to break the sound barrier. The XB-1 aircraft achieved a speed of Mach 1.05 at an altitude of 35,000 feet during a test flight in the Mojave Desert airspace in California, the same location where Chuck Yeager broke the sound barrier in 1947.
This milestone is significant as it marks a step towards the revival of supersonic commercial travel, which has been dormant since the retirement of the Concorde jet over two decades ago. Boom Supersonic has secured contracts with multiple airlines for their future commercial airliners, aiming to develop supersonic jets that are more fuel-efficient and environmentally friendly than the Concorde.
The test aircraft used by Boom Supersonic is constructed with lightweight carbon fiber and features an augmented reality vision system to assist with landing due to its elongated nose. The company plans to utilize this technology in the production of its Overture commercial airliner, capable of carrying up to 80 passengers at speeds exceeding the sound barrier. The manufacturing of these jets is slated to take place in North Carolina.
Looking ahead, American Airlines and United Airlines have committed to purchasing jets from Boom Supersonic, with the company already receiving orders for 130 aircraft. However, commercial supersonic flights may be restricted to oceanic routes or required to reduce speed over land to mitigate the impact of sonic booms on structures.
In the realm of supersonic travel, NASA is exploring the development of a quieter supersonic craft, while Boeing is also engaged in creating a prototype for commercial supersonic flights. Despite the potential advancements, any new supersonic service is likely to encounter challenges similar to those faced by the Concorde, which was limited in its overland routes due to sonic boom concerns.
The Concorde, the sole supersonic commercial airliner to have operated, was grounded in 2003 after its inaugural flight in 1969. Although celebrated for its technological prowess, the Concorde never achieved widespread adoption due to economic difficulties and sonic boom restrictions. The aircraft's legacy includes holding the record for the fastest transatlantic crossing by a passenger plane, completing the journey from London to New York in just under three hours.
Tragically, the Concorde's fate was sealed by a fatal crash in 2000 when an Air France Concorde crashed shortly after takeoff in Paris, resulting in the loss of all 109 passengers on board and four individuals on the ground. The investigation revealed that the crash was caused by the plane running over a metal strip, leading to catastrophic damage to the aircraft's fuel tank.
