Boom Supersonic, developers of the new supersonic passenger aircraft, unveiled major advancements in their Overture airliner and Symphony engine programs.
The company has revolutionized the cockpit design, prioritizing pilot needs and safety. Rapid progress on the Symphony engine includes ongoing hardware tests. Boom anticipates the first full-scale engine core set to be operational within 18 months.
Boom also revealed that Symphony will be assembled in San Antonio, Texas, through an expanded partnership with StandardAero.
Recent Developments
These announcements follow recent milestones for Boom. In March, the company successfully completed the maiden flight of its XB-1 supersonic demonstrator.
June saw the completion of the Overture Superfactory in Greensboro, North Carolina.
Blake Scholl, Boom Supersonic’s founder and CEO, stated, “There’s a strong demand for supersonic travel from both passengers and airlines.”
“After XB-1’s successful test flight, we’re picking up speed. Overture’s new flight deck incorporates extensive pilot feedback, resulting in a flying experience that’s both cutting-edge and familiar.”
“Our Symphony engine has swiftly moved from design to hardware testing, with a fully operational engine core expected next year, putting us ahead of schedule.”
Overture Flight Deck
Boom continues to collaborate with airlines and top-tier industry suppliers. The Overture’s flight deck builds upon Honeywell’s next-generation Anthem avionics suite.
Universal Avionics, a new partner in the Overture program, has integrated an advanced head-worn vision system into the flight deck.
Boom worked with BAE Systems to incorporate Active Control Sidesticks into the Overture flight deck simulator on display at the Farnborough International Airshow.
Overture’s innovative flight deck The Overture’s flight deck is the result of years of aviation safety research and extensive feedback from airline, business, and military pilots.
Honeywell Anthem Avionics Suite
Featuring the Honeywell Anthem avionics suite, it offers pilots unparalleled situational awareness and ease of control, ensuring the safest possible flight experience for passengers.
The flight deck combines advanced automation and envelope protection with a force-feedback system, allowing pilots to physically sense the aircraft’s behavior.
High-definition touch screens provide access to key airplane features, enabling ongoing over-the-air software upgrades.
Key capabilities include:
- Force-feedback sidesticks: A first for airliners, these allow pilots to control the plane while physically feeling aircraft responses and copilot or autopilot inputs.
- Autoland and augmented reality: An advanced vision system for takeoff and landing eliminates the need for Concorde’s droop nose. Pilots can safely land using autoland or augmented reality views on a head worn device and the primary flight display.
- Large 17-inch touchscreens: These high definition screens replace hundreds of traditional breakers and buttons. All airplane functions are software accessible, with physical controls for safety-critical functions.
- Over-the-air upgrades: Regular software upgrades will bring new features and improvements, with airlines controlling fleet wide rollouts.
Boom recently carried out flight deck tests with commercial pilots from leading airlines, including Mike Bannister, former Chief Concorde Pilot for British Airways.
Bannister commented, “I’ve always believed Overture to be Concorde’s rightful successor. After experiencing Overture’s superbly designed and enjoyable flight deck, my excitement for this aircraft has only grown.”
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