At a time when commercial air travel has been plagued by negative headlines, including safety and mechanical issues, a new generation of companies is racing to enhance public air travel. Multiple efforts are underway to restart supersonic commercial air travel for the first time since the Concorde was grounded more than 20 years ago amid noise and safety concerns. These new efforts are much more advanced and aim to reduce noise, improve safety, and make supersonic travel affordable to the general public.
Among the newest entrants to the supersonic market is NASA, which is working with Lockheed Martin to develop the X-59 demonstrator. And Denver-based Boom Supersonic aims to have a supersonic passenger plane in service within five years that can carry up to 80 passengers from New York to London in about three and a half hours. “The XB-1 is our prototype and the first indigenously developed supersonic jet,” Boom founder and CEO Blake School said in a recent interview with Fox News. “This is a huge milestone for us because it's literally the first time someone other than the government or military has built a supersonic jet aircraft.”
The school says it first sought to address the biggest problem plaguing supersonic travel dating back to the days of Concorde: noise. “From a takeoff and landing perspective, this will be as quiet as any other airliner currently flying, so it will be very friendly to the airport community,” he continues. “Sonic booms only occur over water, and no one hears them.”
“This technology has come a long way,” School says. Recall that the Concorde was designed by him in the 1960s using slide rules, drafting paper, and wind tunnels. Now it employs carbon fiber composites, more efficient engines, and software that define his aerodynamics. It has been.”
Boom hopes to begin the first commercial supersonic flight in 2029. But it may be several years before people start booking flights on Expedia or Travelocity. “We think the first plane will be all business class, the second plane will be premium economy, and the third plane will be able to beat economy fares,” School says. “So, like any new technology, we aim to gradually lower the cost curve.”
