The Webpage “Overture” from Boom Supersonic (n.d) introduces the in-development supersonic jet-liner the Boom Overture. The Overture has a flight range of 4250 nautical miles (7867km) and a cruising altitude of 60k Ft. According to Boom Supersonic (n.d), The structural integrity of the overture comprises of all-composite aerostructures, hence being able to support the contoured fuselage and its gull wings for increase aerodynamic efficiency. The landing gear system is designed to be compatible with all airport runways and taxiways across the globe. The flight control and hydraulic system of the overture has an active sidestick control and three primary flight control on board computers. these computers use a predefined flight plan to calculate and display an aircraft's lateral and vertical trajectory, providing guidance throughout the flight, including an additional fourth one for additional safety. In terms of the hydraulics, the Overture features a triple redundant hydraulic system that provides reliable power for flight controls and mechanical systems. The fuel system of the aircraft is designed to provide a center of gravity control especially during subsonic and supersonic flights. The Overture also aims to be compatible with Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). Additionally, the Overture also includes features such as an environmental control system that uses multiple packs to maintain cabin pressure and passenger comfort. The avionics and electrical systems of the aircraft features an extended vision system for clear visibility during take-off and landing. It also has a time-triggered ethernet backbone that connects the cockpit with other systems of the aircraft. Lastly, the Overture features other key systems that utilizes certified technologies, reducing programming risks and allows the Overture aircraft systems to receive updates.
The Boom Overture's integration of advanced aerodynamics and eco-friendly technologies like its construction materials and fuel requirements marks a pivotal shift in commercial aviation, potentially paving the way for a new era for supersonic commercial jet travel.
One key feature of the Overture Is its wing design. The Overture features a swept back delta gull wing and nonaxisymmetrical fuselage design profile with an estimated wingspan of 52 meters in length and 18 meters in width. As a result, the aircraft is able to achieve a cruising speed of Mach 1.7 (2100 km/h). According to Verdon, M (2023), the wing and fuselage design of the Overture looks similar to that of its predecessor the Concorde, despite the wingspan of the Overture is 23 feet wider than that of the Concorde, but the Overture will only be able to achieve a speed of Mach 1.7 which is slightly slower than the Concorde which could fly at up to speeds of Mach 2.0. Boom supersonic (n.d) predicts that the Overture will be able to travel across 600 routes around the world. In one example, Boom Supersonic (n.d) claimed that it could travel from Singapore to Dubai in 4 hours and 20 minutes hypothetically as compared to the standard 6 hours and 55 minutes.
Another key feature of the Boom Overture is the engine. According to Boom Supersonic (n.d), the engine of the Overture dubbed “Symphony” has the ability to output 35,000 lbs (15.6kN) of thrust, and it includes a single-stage 72’’ fan and air-cooled turbine. Hence the Symphony engine is able to reduce operating costs by 10% compared to standard jet engines in jetliners due to a 25% improvement in time on wing. Other features of the Symphony engine include being able to run on 100% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) and to be able to meet with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and EASA requirements on chapter 14 noise levels and other emission standards.
However, one potential drawback of the Overture is its noise emissions. If this is not addressed by Boom Supersonic, it could lead to the possible discontinuation of the project. According to the United States Airforce (USAF) (n.d), when an aircraft is travelling faster than the speed of sound in air, which is roughly 750 mph (1207 km/h), it generates a sonic boom. This sonic boom produces an explosive loud noise that can be heard over very long distances. In order to understand why this is an issue in supersonic flight, we need to investigate further into the history of the Overtures predecessor the Concorde to see what where the events that eventually led to the discontinuation of the Concorde. According to Terefe, Eidsmore, & Farah, (2019), one of the main issues faced by the Concorde was the restrictions of supersonic travel implemented. As a result, the Concorde was only allowed to travel at supersonic speed over the ocean, because the sonic boom generated by the aircraft was powerful enough to shatter glass in urban or densely populated areas. Numerous cities issued noise complaints whenever the Concorde flew above land. Given all of this, should the Overture wish to become successful, Boom Supersonic must address the main issue of the sonic boom, especially given its cruising speed of Mach 1.7. However, the problem of the sonic boom that comes with the subject of supersonic flight may soon be the exception rather than the rule. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) currently aims to test an experimental aircraft dubbed the “X59”. With its design, the X-59 aims to reduce the sound of the sonic boom to a sonic “thump”. According to NASA. (2024), the X-59’s main mission is to fly at supersonic speeds across several cities in the U.S. so that they can survey what people on the ground might hear when the aircraft is flying overhead. The reaction to those sonic “thumps” will then be shared with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) who will then decide whether to lift the ban on supersonic travel over land. If NASA succeeds in reducing the noise of the sonic boom, hence convincing the FAA to lift the supersonic travel ban, this could be a huge opportunity for Boom Supersonic as they can utilize the data to further optimize their aircraft and to make it legal to travel over land, therefore increasing the probability of supersonic travel becoming more prominent in the future.
In conclusion, the Boom Overture, with its nuanced design and engine technology, is an aircraft that aims to improve upon where its predecessor the Concorde left off, promises to pave the way for the next generation of commercial aircraft travel, but certain key issues must be addressed such as the sonic boom should the Overture wish the take to the skies. Should NASA’s X-59 become successful in reducing the loud noise, this achievement could be an advantage for Boom Supersonic to further make the Overture a reality.
References:
Boom Supersonic. (n.d.). Overture. https://boomsupersonic.com/overture
Boom Supersonic. (n.d.). Symphony. https://boomsupersonic.com/symphony
Verdon, M. (2023). The Concorde flew for the last time 20 Years Ago. Now, a new supersonic jet is poised to hit the skies. https://robbreport.com/motors/aviation/supersonic-jet-concorde-replaced-boom-overture-1235428265/
Terefe, Eidsmore, & Farah, (2019). Why the Concorde was discontinued and why it won't be coming back. The Museum of Flight. https://blog.museumofflight.org/why-the-concorde-was-discontinued-and-why-it-wont-be-coming-back
NASA. (2024). Quesst. https://www.nasa.gov/mission/quesst
USAF. (n.d). Sonic Boom. Sonic Boom > Air Force > Fact Sheet Display (af.mil)
Thanks for your effort, Steven.
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