A new supersonic jet is set to take over the skies in 2029 – Overture by Boom Supersonic. The Colorado-based company has set its sights on bringing back supersonic passenger flights after the Concorde jet flew for the last time in 2003.
Overture is designed to fly at twice the speed compared to standard commercial jets, and features an extra engine, with a contoured fuselage and Pulaski or gull wings.
Scheduled to go into production by 2024, Overture will be equipped to fly Mach 1.7 (2099.16 kilometre per hour) over water with a range of 4,250 nautical miles, seating 65 to 80 passengers.
These jets can fly from Singapore to Dubai in just four hours, when compared to the usual 7-hour flight. Tokyo to Seattle will take four-and-a-half hours of travel time, instead of eight-and-a-half hours, whereas Los Angeles to Seoul would take 6 hours and 45 minutes instead of 12 hours and 45 minutes.
All of these times are subject to change, Boom Supersonic said.
In January 2021, US-based flight carrier United Airlines also placed an order for 15 supersonic jets.
American Airlines placed a deposit for 20 Overture airliners in August 2022, with an option for 40 additional Overtures. With this order, Boom’s commercial order book for Overture currently stands at 130 aircraft.
Japan Airlines’ 2017 investment of $10 million also allows the carrier to purchase up to 20 aircrafts.
In addition to this, the aviation company has also partnered with US military technology company Northrop Grumman to develop a version of the Overture, suitable for the military.
“Time is a strategic advantage in high consequence scenarios, from emergency evacuations to disaster response,” said Boom Supersonic’s founder Blake Scholl. “This collaboration between Boom and Northrop Grumman unlocks the potential for Overture to provide the US and our allies with an unmatched high-speed capability when and where it’s most needed.”
Powered by 100 percent sustainable fuels
“Overture has been developed from the beginning to be net zero carbon, flying on 100 percent sustainable aviation fuels (SAF). Sustainability is woven into all aspects of Overture, from design and production to flight and end-of-life recycling,” Boom Supersonic said in a statement, earlier in July.
Adding to its commitment to ensure sustainable operations, Overture will be designed with “carbon composite materials” to ensure they are lighter yet stronger and more thermally stable than traditional metal construction.
“Carbon composites can also be manufactured with highly complex curvature, contributing to the aircraft’s aerodynamic efficiency,” Boom Supersonic said.
Overture will also be quieter, the company said, adding that aircraft will fly without afterburners.
“On take-off, Overture will use the world’s first automated noise reduction system. The airliner will fly without afterburners, meeting the same strict regulatory noise levels as the latest subsonic airplanes. These noise reduction efforts will deliver a quieter experience both for passengers and airport communities,” Boom Supersonic said.
Travel the world with $100
In an interview with CNN, Scholl said he aims to run operations across the world at a price point similar to business class in a commercial aircraft, adding that accessibility is key.
“Where we want to get, which is anywhere in the world in four hours for 100 bucks,” Scholl told CNN adding, “now it’s going to take us time to get there.”
Aside from this, the aviation company has also kept customer experiences as priority, and will allow passengers to switch from various in-flight experiences.
These include customising their windows during their journey, choosing from various flight modes such as a ‘productivity mode’ for those who want to work while travelling, a ‘relaxation mode’ for those who want to grab a quick nap, and an ‘exploration mode’ which will allow passengers to keep a close eye on their route whilst travelling via Overture.
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