FYI: A new prototype dubbed ‘Son of Concorde’ aims to slash travel times between London and New York to just 3.5 hours, promising a revolution in commercial aviation.
### Inside the Testing of the ‘Son of Concorde’ with Boom Supersonic
The prototype XB-1, developed by Boom Supersonic, has been in the spotlight for significantly reducing travel time between major cities. After years of development, the company is now entering the final phases of testing for this ambitious project.
### A Look Back at the Journey
Boom Supersonic first revealed the XB-1’s design to the public in 2016. Rigorous testing commenced the following year, steadily pushing the prototype to new heights. Test pilot Tristan ‘Geppetto’ Brandenburg has shared his insights about piloting the plane, a significant step for many in the aviation industry.
### Flying High Over the Mojave Desert
Brandenburg has conducted two test flights over California’s Mojave Desert, reaching impressive heights of 10,400 feet and speeds up to 277 mph. In an interview, he expressed that flying the XB-1 wasn’t daunting given his familiarity with the team and the aircraft. “I wasn’t really that nervous for the flights in the XB-1. I knew the team I was working with, I knew the air. I know this airplane better than any airplane I’ve ever flown,” said Brandenburg.
### The Future of Supersonic Travel: Overture
While the XB-1 sets the stage, the main event is the Overture, a commercial airliner projected to debut in 2030. This aircraft is designed to carry between 64 and 80 passengers and drastically reduce travel times for transatlantic and transpacific flights. It’s anticipated to bridge London and New York in a short 3.5 hours, while flights from Tokyo to Seattle could be cut down to just 4.5 hours.
### Advantages Over Concorde
Boom Supersonic aims to surpass Concorde, both in affordability and design. The Overture promises lower flight costs, with tickets from New York to London expected to cost around $5,000, compared to Concorde’s staggering $20,000. Additionally, the Overture will feature a simplified cockpit layout, offering a more efficient and streamlined experience, both for pilots and passengers.
### Conclusion: The Dawn of a New Era
If all goes as planned, Boom Supersonic could reshape the future of air travel within the next decade. Affordable, shorter flights across oceans could soon become a reality, thanks to advancements in supersonic technology.
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William Rapp
Editor of Automotive.fyi
