50 SKY SHADES - World aviation news

Richard Branson is bringing us the next supersonic passenger aircraft

Download: Printable PDF Date: 19 Nov 2016 17:22 (UTC) categories:
Publisher:
Richard Branson is bringing us the next supersonic passenger aircraft - Personalities publisher
Dana Ermolenko
Country: United States Aircraft: Airplanes
Source: Mashable

On Tuesday, the founder of Virgin Group is joining forces with Boom— an aircraft production startup — to unveil the XB-1 Supersonic Demonstrator, a prototype supersonic passenger airliner.

The aircraft will reportedly provide 3.5-hour flights between New York and London for the "affordable" price of $5,000.

Creating affordable supersonic flight has been on Branson's radar since the turbojet-powered Concorde  retired back in 2003.

"I have long been passionate about aerospace innovation and the development of high-speed commercial flights. As an innovator in the space, Virgin Galactic’s decision to work with Boom was an easy one," Branson said in a press release. "We’re excited to have an option on Boom’s first 10 airframes. Through Virgin Galactic’s manufacturing arm, The Spaceship Company, we will provide engineering and manufacturing services, along with flight test support and operations as part of our shared ambitions."

Boom learned from the Concorde, and with the aim to build a "safe, fast, and pleasant to fly" aircraft, was able to create a supersonic design that travels 2.6 times faster than current jetliners. Unlike the retired Concorde, the Boom design requires no afterburner, which significantly improves fuel economy.

Mike Boyd of Boyd Group International, an aviation consulting firm, described the Boom airliner as a core part of the intercontinental airline fleet, explaining, "Travelers are hungry for faster flights and airlines will be excited for a differentiated and profitable option for their premium travelers.”

With hardware from General Electric (engines), Honeywell (avionics), Tencate (carbon fiber), and composite structures fabricated by Blue Force, the XB-1 is the world’s fastest civil aircraft ever made.

In case that wasn't impressive enough, the aircraft will provide its 45 to 55 passengers with spacious seating on each side of the aircraft's aisle, along with a personal window and overhead bin — the stuff of dreams.

Rendering of an XB-1 interior.

Rendering of an XB-1 interior.

Along with Blake Scholl, chief executive officer and founder of Boom, Branson plans to unveil the XB-1, nicknamed "Baby Boom," at Centennial Airport in Denver, Colorado, later this evening.

Scholl and Branson have high hopes for the supersonic airliner, and Scholl even noted that "60 years after the dawn of the jet age, we’re still flying at 1960s speeds."

He explained, "Concorde’s designers didn’t have the technology for affordable supersonic travel, but now we do. Today, we’re proud to unveil our first aircraft as we look forward to first flight late next year."

The first XB-1 flight is set to take place later in 2017, so you still have ample time to get pumped.





Recommended

Cessna Skyhawk Veris VR flight training device set for NBAA-BACE debut in Las Vegas

TRU Simulation + Training Inc. will showcase its Veris Virtual Reality Flight Training Device (FTD) for the Cessna Skyhawk at NBAA-BACE 2026, marking the simulator's first appearance at the indust...

Tecnam unveils the FAR Part 23-certified P2008JC NG in the United States, redefining efficiency in next-generation pilot training

Tecnam introduces the P2008JC NG to the United States market, bringing flight schools a certified, next-generation training aircraft designed to dramatically reduce operating costs while maximizing fl...

KLM marks fleet milestone with delivery of its first Airbus A350-900

Dutch flag carrier KLM, part of the Air France-KLM Group, has welcomed its first Airbus A350-900, marking a significant step in the airline’s long-haul fleet modernization strategy. The arrival...

Etihad Airways and Ibom Air launch interline partnership linking Nigeria to Etihad’s global network

Etihad Airways has signed an interline agreement with Nigerian airline Ibom Air, enabling travellers to connect seamlessly beyond Lagos and Accra to five destinations across Nigeria on a single t...

Android Apps development in Riga, Latvia