“Let’s take a longer flight this time” said no one ever in the history of air travel. Nobody likes inefficiency, especially us. That’s why we’ll be watching the folks at Colorado-based Boom Technology as they aim to bring supersonic travel back to the passenger segment.
Last month, Boom unveiled a new supersonic engine called Symphony for their Overture jet, which the company calls “the world’s fastest airliner—optimized for speed, safety and sustainability.” It will shred flying time between New York and London to only 3.5 hours. But will it break windows upon takeoff?
To be supersonic, your engine must push the jet past Mach 1 or 769.3 mph. Boom’s new turbo-fan engine, which they’re calling Symphony, is designed for net zero carbon efficiency and quiet operation and can reach speeds of Mach 1.7 (more than 1,300 miles per hour), which is more than double the speed of current airliners. Overture’s contoured fuselage helps optimize airflow, reduces drag and increases fuel efficiency. It also boasts “the world’s first automated noise reduction system” to ensure Overture will be just as quiet as conventional aircrafts during takeoff. Its gull wings also reduce noise and minimize engine stress.
Boost claims Symphony will provide a 25 percent increase in time-on-wing (i.e., operational reliability) and significantly reduce engine maintenance and repair costs, thereby curbing operating bills by at least 10 percent. American Airlines has already snapped up 20 Overture aircrafts. And Boom recently announced partnerships with United as well as Northrop Grumman for a military jet for the U.S. Department of Defense.
Who knows? Maybe we’ll land a future partnership with Boom to put even more pep in our PRONTO® same-day shipping.