On the journey toward building a new supersonic jet, Denver-based Boom is first creating an aircraft at one-third scale to demonstrate that its design and technologies are safe.
Boom plans to roll out the demonstrator XB-1 plane sometime in 2020 and begin test flights late in the year. Like the full-scale Overture supersonic jet planned for the middle of this decade, the XB-1 will fly Mach 2.2, using the same aerodynamics and materials.
As the XB-1 nears completion, Boom has released a 3D simulation of the jet to give people a detailed look:
The XB-1 involved the work of 81 engineers, 286 partners and suppliers, and 1,229 approved drawings. It has 3,488 unique parts and 15,129 individual screws, according to Boom.
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While the Concorde supersonic jet ultimately failed because tickets were too expensive, Boom executives believe advances in materials and aerodynamics will allow them to create a more economically sustainable supersonic jet. The goal with the 75-seat Overture is to eventually target business class passengers by dramatically shortening overseas travel times.
Boom fits into a broader wave of startups hoping to reinvent air travel, including through shorter-range options like air taxis.
