Boom is all set to launch the world into a new supersonic age [Watch]

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Boom Technology company is bringing back supersonic travel to the masses with their new XB-1. Being touted as the new-age Concorde, it has big shoes to fill.

But the carbon-neutral promise mated with the possibility of mere mortals being able to fly at supersonic speeds again is a reason for sheer joy. This will be the first viable option for commercial travel faster than the speed of sound.  

It’s hard to believe but the last Concorde flight flew on 3rd October 2003, nearly two decades ago. With Boom’s plans to take off in 2020, jet setters will be able to book a ticket on a supersonic flight from as early 7th October 2020. The Denver-based startup will showcase its one-third scale jet model via virtual video conference. 

Supersonic returns. Our supersonic demonstrator, XB-1, rolls out this October. See the aircraft paving the way for faster travel and RSVP at https://t.co/QyyAxNjIfm. pic.twitter.com/TIniq4QQBo

— Boom Supersonic (@boomaero) July 10, 2020

Named the Overture or the “Baby Boom”, the 1:3 ration aircraft will have the same capabilities as the full-sized jet meant for commercial air travel. The aircraft will be able to take passengers from London’s Heathrow airport to John F Kennedy International airport in New York in under 3 and a half hours. The journey from London to San Francisco or Tokyo will be a mere 6 hours. The claims by Boom Technologies’ CEO, Blake Scholl have shown promise in extended testing. They will also go under the scanner especially for safety standards because the infamous crashes of the Concorde along with the financial unreliability due to the immensely expensive ticket costs.

The XB-1 will be the fastest supersonic jet built till date and will also be carbon neutral. The latter is not a necessity to take off but it shows how in tune with the times the startup is so that the emissions due to the aircraft will be balanced by their efforts making the project possible without raising the ire of environmental groups.  

Despite being able to book tickets in a few months, the first XB-1 flight will only leave the ground in 2021. For now, the top speed, regulatory compatibility, the introductory ticket prices as well as the final look of the plane are all under wrap.