Boom Supersonic is closer than ever to its goal of introducing supersonic
commercial aviation back to the global stage, the Colorado-based startup
unveiled the final design of its XB-1 demonstrator aircraft on 10-7-20. This
is a fully functional prototype airplane, which will help the company test
out the flight capabilities and systems that will eventually make its
Overture supersonic commercial passenger aircraft a reality.
XB-1 is a scaled down version of what Overture will be, lacking the
passenger cabin that will offer business-class style amenities to commercial
passengers. It does have a cockpit for the test pilots who will help Boom
put its design through its paces beginning in 2021. It measures 71-feet
long, and its propulsion is provided by three GE-made J85-15 engines that
together provide 12,000 lbs of thrust. There are standard cockpit windows,
but because of the extreme angle of the nose required for aerodynamics,
there’s also an HD video camera and cockpit display to provide pilots with a
virtual view out the front of the plane for maximum visibility.
The frame of the XB-1 is made up of carbon-composite, which is designed for
light weight while also offering very high tensile strength and rigidity, as
well as an ability to withstand the high temperatures generated by traveling
at supersonic speeds (even in the relatively friction-free environs of
higher altitudes). Boom also kept pilot comfort in mind when creating the
XB-1, optimizing for ergonomics via user testing spanning “hundreds of
hours.”
Boom plans to test XB-1 at Mojave Air and Space Port, located in Mojave,
California. As mentioned, the goal now is to get that underway next year –
but Boom will begin on its ground testing program immediately. Meanwhile,
Boom will continue developing Overture simultaneously, working on wind
tunnel tests and other elements of aircraft validation in order to help move
towards the target of getting that commercial jet in the air for 2025.
Credit: techcrunch.com (with 10 more photos)
See also: boomsupersonic.com
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