Boom Supersonic, a company known for its development of supersonic passenger aircraft, has announced plans to launch a net-zero carbon aircraft that will be powered by sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). The company’s Overture aircraft is expected to be the first large commercial aircraft to achieve net-zero carbon emissions from the day it starts operating, thanks to the use of 100% sustainable aviation fuel.
Boom Supersonic has also revealed its intention to establish a $500 million superfactory at Piedmont Triad International Airport in Greensboro. The factory is projected to create at least 1,761 jobs once it reaches full production capacity in 2030.
The collaboration between Boom Supersonic and NASA has revealed that there are approximately 50 established routes that could potentially support supersonic passenger travel. Although supersonic flight over land is prohibited in the United States and many other countries, the NASA study focused on transoceanic travel, including high-volume routes across the North Atlantic and Pacific.
Boom Supersonic’s Overture aircraft, designed to carry 65 to 80 passengers at a speed of Mach 1.7 and with a range of 4,250 nautical miles, could serve over 600 existing international flights. The aircraft has the potential to significantly reduce travel times, with destinations such as Miami to London possible in under five hours and Los Angeles to Honolulu in just three hours.
NASA’s Quesst mission aims to provide data that will support the case for overland supersonic flight by using the X-59 quiet supersonic aircraft. The mission will contribute to refreshing technology roadmaps and identifying further research needs for high-speed travel.
To further advance high-speed travel research, NASA’s Advanced Air Vehicles program has initiated the next phase, which includes issuing two 12-month contracts to companies for the development of concept designs and technology roadmaps. Boeing is leading one of the teams, in collaboration with Exosonic, GE Aerospace, Rolls-Royce North American Technologies, and others. The second team is led by Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems, alongside Blue Ridge Research and Consulting, Boom Supersonic, and Rolls-Royce North American Technologies.
Boom Supersonic and Northrop Grumman are also working together on a specialized variation of the Overture aircraft, specifically designed to meet the requirements of the U.S. Defense Department. This collaboration aims to provide the U.S. and its allies with a high-speed capability for critical scenarios such as emergency evacuations and disaster response.
The industry engagement phase of the research will be followed by NASA and its partners deciding whether to continue the research using their own investments. The design concepts and technology roadmaps generated during this phase will play a crucial role in shaping the future of high-speed travel.
Boom Supersonic’s Overture aircraft is set to revolutionize the aviation industry by being the first large commercial aircraft to achieve net-zero carbon emissions. With its sustainable aviation fuel and advanced design, the Overture aims to provide a greener and faster travel option for passengers. With ongoing collaborations and research efforts, the future of supersonic travel is steadily taking shape.
