Supersonic booms have always intrigued us, but how often do we actually get to experience them ourselves? It’s a rare occurrence indeed. However, in 2010, the city of Seattle had a taste of this phenomenon when a small floatplane entered restricted airspace during former US President Barack Obama’s visit. Twin F-15 Eagles were dispatched to intercept the floatplane, breaking the sound barrier and creating a powerful boom that shook homes and was heard as far as south Washington state. This incident highlighted one of the key challenges faced by supersonic aircraft, contributing to the economic failure of the famous Concorde.
Aside from the sonic boom issue, fuel economy also plagued the Concorde. It consumed about 50% more fuel than its major competitor, the Boeing 747, while carrying a quarter of the passengers and having only half the maximum range. These limitations confined the Concorde to transatlantic flights and hindered its potential for mass market success.
Although the Concorde was deemed safe and successful throughout its 27-year career, various factors led to its retirement in 2003. Pressure from the British and French governments, concerns about fuel costs, limited route options, and a lack of mass market potential ultimately sealed its fate.
To succeed where the Concorde fell short, the next generation of supersonic aircraft must overcome these challenges. This is precisely what Boom Technology aims to achieve. As a startup company, Boom is working towards creating a 45-passenger civilian supersonic transport aircraft that can fly at a staggering speed of Mach 2.2. Their ultimate goal is to offer transoceanic flights at a price comparable to business class tickets on conventional airlines.
Imagine traveling from London to New York in just 3 hours and 15 minutes for $2,500, or from San Francisco to Tokyo in 5 and a half hours for $3,250. These flights, though still expensive, open up new possibilities for business travelers who value time above all else.
Boom is currently focusing on developing two aircraft models: an all-premium class airliner and a smaller two-seater jet called the XB-1, which serves as a test bed and proof of concept for the larger airliner. The team at Boom has a significant advantage over their predecessors as they can utilize advanced design software and computational analysis tools. This enables them to quickly develop prototypes and fine-tune designs, resulting in a more efficient and optimized aircraft.
In addition to modern design techniques, Boom is introducing innovative features to enhance fuel efficiency and performance. Both their planes feature an ultra-thin delta wing, which allows the aircraft to function optimally at both subsonic and supersonic speeds. The wing design minimizes drag and wave drag, crucial for supersonic flight and fuel efficiency. Boom’s aircraft also include a chined fuselage and a variable geometry inlet for their engines, further improving control and efficiency.
With a focus on fuel efficiency, Boom believes that achieving a 30% increase in fuel efficiency compared to the Concorde is crucial for a viable business model. This is no easy feat, especially considering that Boom plans to provide a more comfortable and spacious experience for their passengers, with each person having their own window seat and aisle access.
Boom’s vision for the future of supersonic flight is remarkable. While their flights may still be considered expensive, they offer the potential for unparalleled time savings and convenience. By leveraging cutting-edge technology and innovative design, Boom Technology is on the verge of revolutionizing civilian supersonic travel. Keep an eye out for their progress as they conduct flight tests of their scale demonstration aircraft, the XB-1, in the near future.
So, if you’re passionate about the exciting advancements in technology and aviation, be sure to stay tuned to Techal for the latest news and updates. Join us as we unveil the secrets behind the future of supersonic flight!
