Boom Supersonic, a company specializing in the development of supersonic airliners, made significant announcements at this year’s Paris Air Show regarding the progress of its groundbreaking aircraft, Overture.
Overture, set to become the world’s fastest airliner, boasts an impressive design that allows it to fly at twice the speed of today’s commercial planes. Furthermore, it is engineered to run entirely on sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), highlighting Boom’s commitment to eco-friendly air travel.
Partnering with Leading Aerospace Companies
Boom Supersonic has secured key partnerships with renowned aerospace companies to ensure the successful development of Overture. The company recently signed structural supplier agreements with Aernnova, Leonardo, and Aciturri.
Aernnova will be responsible for designing and developing Overture’s wings, while Leonardo takes the lead in integrating the fuselage structural components and designing two major fuselage sections.
Aciturri, on the other hand, will be in charge of developing the empennage, specifically the differentiated horizontal stabilizer.
These partnerships with industry leaders showcase the extensive network of global suppliers that Boom Supersonic has established. Notable names in their supplier roster include Safran Landing Systems, Eaton, Collins Aerospace, Flight Safety International, FTT, GE Additive, and StandardAero.
By collaborating with these esteemed companies, Boom ensures the highest quality and reliability in the production of Overture.
Overture’s Full Systems Configuration
Boom Supersonic also revealed Overture’s comprehensive systems configuration, providing insights into the various key systems integrated into the aircraft.
The schematics unveiled at the event shed light on critical components such as avionics, flight controls, hydraulics, fuel systems, and landing gear. Each of these systems has been meticulously designed and developed to ensure optimal performance, efficiency, and safety.
Overture’s fuel systems are particularly noteworthy as they enable center of gravity control during both subsonic and supersonic operations. Additionally, these systems are compatible with sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), furthering the aircraft’s environmental sustainability.
The triple redundant hydraulic systems ensure reliable power for flight controls and mechanical operations, while the landing gear is designed to be compatible with international airport runways and taxiways, facilitating takeoff and landing on over 600 routes worldwide.
Advancements in Aerostructures
Boom’s focus on aerodynamic efficiency is evident in the design of Overture’s aerostructures. The aircraft’s contoured fuselage and gull wings are constructed using all-composite materials, reducing weight and enhancing overall performance.
The wings are structurally thinner than those of conventional subsonic planes, minimizing drag and allowing Overture to efficiently achieve higher speeds.
Key systems incorporated into Overture leverage certified technologies, effectively reducing program risk and advancing the development of the aircraft’s systems.
Boom Supersonic remains committed to securing suppliers for the majority of major systems by the end of this year, demonstrating their dedication to timely production.
Key Partnerships for Success
Boom Supersonic’s partnership with Aernnova for the wing structure showcases the expertise of the Spain-based aerospace supplier. The shaping of Overture’s gull wings not only optimizes supersonic performance but also improves handling during subsonic and transonic flight phases.
Aernnova’s involvement marks their contribution to the first sustainable supersonic aircraft, further solidifying their position as a global leader in aerostructures.
Leonardo, renowned for its proficiency in structural composite components for commercial aircraft, assumes the primary engineering role for Overture’s major fuselage structural components. The company is also tasked with designing and building two significant fuselage sections, including the wingbox.
The unique contoured fuselage design, with a larger diameter toward the front and a smaller diameter toward the rear, minimizes wave-drag and maximizes fuel efficiency at supersonic speeds. Leonardo’s involvement reflects their dedication to shaping the future of aviation.
Aciturri, a leading aerospace components provider, has been selected by Boom to design and develop the empennage for Overture.
Notably, the empennage features a differentiated horizontal stabilizer that enhances control during subsonic flight phases, such as takeoff and landing. Aciturri’s extensive expertise in aerostructures and aeroengines contributes to the future of sustainable supersonic flight.
Symphony Engine: Powering Supersonic Flight
Boom Supersonic’s collaboration with engine design partner FTT has yielded significant milestones for the Symphony engine. Boom unveiled a 3D-printed ⅓ scale design model of Symphony at the Paris Air Show, showcasing the engine’s optimized design for sustainable supersonic flight.
The Symphony engine offers impressive advantages, including a 25% increase in time-on-wing and 10% operating cost savings for airlines.
To ensure a seamless transition from design to production, Boom has expanded its partnership with FTT. The Florida-based company will assemble the initial production units of Symphony for ground and flight tests, as well as certification.
Their extensive experience in supersonic engines makes them a valuable asset in bringing Symphony to life. Jupiter, Florida has been selected as the base for initial production