Passenger plane that can travel at twice the speed of sound is about to be tested

A low-cost passenger plane that can travel twice the speed of sound is set to take off for the first time on a test flight later this year.

Boom Supersonic, a US company, is ready to build a prototype of its XB-1 supersonic aircraft, also known as Baby Boom, after receiving $33 million in investment from Virgin Galactic billionaire Richard Branson, the Sun reported yesterday.

Billed as the “world’s fastest commercial aircraft,” the XB-1 Supersonic Demonstrator will take off on its first test flight later this year and will be able to take passengers from London, UK to New York, US (5,585km) in 3.5 hours. According to the company that makes it, the plane will cost over $200 million to build and could carry passengers in the early 2020s.

Boom aircraft will be operational from the 2020s. (Photo: Boom Technology).

The subsonic flight test will be conducted near Edwards Air Force Base in southern California in conjunction with Virgin Galactic’s Spaceship company. A prototype of the aircraft was previously unveiled last November at Centennial Airport in Denver, Colorado.

The XB-1 is a miniature version of the future Boom aircraft, which is one-third the size. The Boom supersonic aircraft can fly at 2,335 km/h, 160 km/h faster than Concorde and twice the speed of sound at 1,235 km/h.

Boom is being built by leading aerospace experts with years of experience working at NASA, SpaceX and Boeing. Learning from Concorde, they combine advanced aerodynamics, efficient engines and new composite materials to create a safe, low-cost supersonic aircraft that is 2.6 times faster than today's aircraft.

The XB-1 prototype, which has undergone more than 1,000 simulated wind tunnel tests, features a tapered carbon-fiber fuselage and a turbofan engine. Unlike Concorde, the Boom’s design does not require an afterburner, which significantly reduces fuel consumption.

According to simulations, the Boom will also be quieter and 30% more efficient than the Concorde. The cabin will be split into two single rows of seats, so that every passenger has a window and aisle seat. To save weight, the seats will be first class and cannot be folded down into beds. To reduce flight time, the Boom will cruise at an altitude of 60,000 feet and will operate 500 routes.

According to Khoakhoc.vn