The Future of Air Travel: Supersonic Planes Set to Replace Traditional Jets

Earlier this month, a prototype aircraft for a potential new civil supersonic plane took its first flight since the 1960s. This marks a significant step forward in the exciting new era of supersonic travel.

The XB-1, a test aircraft created by Boom Supersonic in Colorado, completed its successful maiden flight at the Mojave Air & Space Port in California on March 22.

The XB-1 program is laying the groundwork for Boom's commercial plane Overture, set to be the world's first independently developed supersonic jet.

Fast forward to today, 10 years since the start of the Boom Supersonic project in 2014, CEO Blake Scholl shares with CNN Travel in a video call that there are thrilling months ahead.

The most challenging part has been completed.

According to Scholl, he firmly believes in the comeback of supersonic air travel and aims to make it accessible to all passengers on every route. However, achieving this goal will not happen overnight. The main difficulty in creating a supersonic jet lies in designing a sleek and aerodynamic aircraft that can safely take off and land.

XB-1 successfully completed its first flight by meeting all test objectives. This included reaching a safe altitude of 7,120 feet (2,170 meters) and achieving speeds of up to 238 knots (273 miles per hour).

It's important to note that the altitudes reached by XB-1 are significantly lower compared to commercial airliners, which typically fly between 31,000 feet to 42,000 feet.

Mach 1, which is the speed of sound, is around 760 mph, although it can vary depending on altitude and temperature. The goal for XB-1 is to reach this supersonic speed quickly.

According to Scholl, there are plans to conduct a series of 10 to 15 flights within the next five to seven months in order to break the sound barrier for the first time.

Only two civil supersonic planes have ever existed: the Soviet Tupolev Tu-144 and the British-French Concorde. The Concorde made its final flight in October 2003, over twenty years ago.

The industry is currently filled with excitement over supersonic and hypersonic projects. NASA and Lockheed Martin have collaborated on the "quiet" X-59 aircraft, designed to minimize sonic boom. Meanwhile, Atlanta-based Hermeus recently revealed their first flyable aircraft.

According to Scholl, the resurgence of supersonic flight can be attributed to the advancement of digital engineering. Progress in aerodynamics, materials, and propulsion has been significant, especially when compared to the era of the Concorde.

XB-1 made its first flight in March 2024.

XB-1 made its first flight in March 2024.

Courtesy Boom Supersonic

Computational fluid dynamics

In the 1960s, Concorde was developed through the use of wind tunnels. This involved creating expensive physical models, conducting tests, and then repeating the process.

According to Scholl, testing different designs was challenging due to the high costs and time involved in each iteration. However, Boom has overcome this obstacle by utilizing computational fluid dynamics for its aircraft's design. This technology acts as a digital wind tunnel, allowing for hundreds of tests to be run overnight in simulation at a much lower cost compared to traditional methods.

XB-1 is made almost entirely from carbon fiber composites, selected for being both strong and lightweight.

Augmented reality vision system

Concorde was known for reducing drag at supersonic speeds by utilizing a long, pointed nose that could tilt forward during takeoff, landing, and taxiing to give pilots a clear view of the runway.

Scholl explains the unique augmented reality vision system on XB-1, noting the convenience of using two nose-mounted cameras that display altitude and flight path indications on a screen, eliminating the need for a complex moveable nose and windscreen views.

Scholl claims that the view on the aircraft is better than it was on Concorde. The augmented reality symbology assists pilots in lining up the target for a smooth landing every time. This technology is fueled by SAF.

With the aviation industry aiming to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050, where does a supersonic plane flying at double the speed of current jets fit into this goal?

The XB-1 is planned to be fueled by conventional jet engines and can operate on sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) up to 100%.

We've previously discussed the slow adoption of SAF on CNN Travel. Scholl is aware of the current challenges facing SAF.

According to Scholl, there is a limited supply of SAF and it is expensive. However, he believes that despite these issues, SAF is gradually becoming more prevalent. He predicts that one day, SAF will be used for all long-haul flights, calling it the "future of aviation."

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In the quest for speed, Scholl acknowledges that flying faster requires more energy. However, he believes we shouldn't have to compromise between eco-friendliness and passenger comfort. He suggests that by prioritizing the development of airplanes that are both efficient and environmentally friendly, we can speed up the shift towards sustainable transportation.

He envisions a future where transatlantic air travel is as smooth as driving a Tesla across the Atlantic, rather than a bumpy ride in a not-so-great SUV. The energy used may be more intensive, but with a green energy source, the impact on the climate is minimal.

XB-1 made its maiden flight in Mojave, California.

XB-1 made its maiden flight in Mojave, California.

Courtesy Boom Supersonic

‘If we have faster airplanes, we don’t need as many’

He also argues the case for other efficiencies offered by faster flight.

"A faster airplane is not only more efficient for humans, but also for capital," according to Scholl. "By increasing speed, we can maximize the number of flights using the same aircraft and crew. This leads to significant cost reductions and a decrease in environmental impact. With faster airplanes, we can operate with fewer aircrafts."

Scholl explains that the reason propeller flights are not used for routes like London to New York is because while they may be less energy-intensive than jet engines, they would ultimately be more costly and have a greater overall impact. Flying at half the speed would require significantly more resources.

He believes that just like how jet airplanes replaced propeller airplanes, supersonic travel will replace today's jet airliners in the near future. This new technology will be faster, more sustainable, and more affordable for everyone.

Imagine being able to travel anywhere in the world in just four hours for only $100.

When CNN Travel interviewed Scholl in May 2021, he shared his vision of making it possible for people to travel anywhere in the world in just four hours for only $100. Even now, three years later, he still considers this goal his guiding light.

Scholl reflects on the Concorde, which was constructed using technology from the 1960s. Back then, a ticket on the Concorde cost around 20,000 quid, making it out of reach for many people.

On the first Overture plane, called Overture One, the aim is to reduce travel time by four times, making supersonic flights accessible to many more people who currently only fly business class.

The future plan includes developing Overture Two and Overture Three, which will expand supersonic travel to more routes and passengers at a more affordable price.

Boom's mission is to reduce flight times by half or even less than the current duration. The ultimate objective is to make flights faster, cheaper, more convenient, and more sustainable. The team is committed to continuously improving until seamless travel around the world becomes a reality.

The year 2024 is anticipated to be one of the most significant years for the company.

Boom is planning to have its first passengers on Overture, with a capacity of 64 to 80 people traveling at Mach 1.7, before the end of the decade. The company currently has a total of 130 orders and pre-orders from major customers such as American Airlines, United Airlines, and Japan Airlines.

According to Scholl, 2024 is expected to be a significant year for supersonic flight. The company will be opening a super-factory in Greensboro, North Carolina later this year to manufacture the Overture. This marks the beginning of an exciting new phase for Boom in the world of supersonic travel.

Above all, he is proud of leading “a private company with a commercial model that scales,” he says. “The world needs a new innovative maker of commercial airplanes.”

Editor's P/S:

The article provides a captivating glimpse into the thrilling world of supersonic travel and the pioneering efforts of Boom Supersonic. It highlights the challenges and advancements in aircraft design, aerodynamics, and propulsion that have paved the way for the potential return of supersonic passenger jets. The XB-1 test aircraft's successful maiden flight is a testament to Boom's dedication and marks a significant step towards making supersonic air travel accessible to a wider audience.

Furthermore, the article raises important questions about the environmental impact of supersonic flight and the need for sustainable solutions. Boom's commitment to utilizing sustainable aviation fuel and developing efficient aircraft designs demonstrates their recognition of the urgency of addressing climate change. By prioritizing innovation and collaboration, Boom is poised to revolutionize the aviation industry and bring the dream of fast, affordable, and eco-friendly supersonic travel closer to reality. greater efficiencies by reducing the number of aircraft required for the same number of flights. The company's ultimate goal is to make supersonic travel faster, cheaper, more convenient, and more sustainable, opening up the possibility of seamless travel around the world.