The future is a little closer this month, with Boom taking a leap forward and presenting their XB-1 1/3rd-scale ‘little brother’ version of the ideal next generation supersonic passenger jet. ‘Baby Boom’ as it has been dubbed, may not be taking flight until next year, but it will pave the way for the new Concorde of the skies.
Even better the aircraft designers are showcasing a potential dream interior for the aircraft with its 1 x 1 super large business class suites taking centre stage inside the supersonic delta wing aircraft.
These thrones may not turn into luxurious long flatbeds but that is not because the airline is skimping on comfort. But when a transatlantic flight with Boom will only take a few hours, there is only just enough time to have a 11.3 mile high fine-dining meal before starting the descent.
Naturally the airline seems to be showing off high-tech seats, with climate control, all the technological connections a modern day traveller would require, but perhaps nothing can compare with the sight of the curve of the earth from each passengers dedicated larger-than-normal window – something that wasn’t available to Concorde passengers, but due to technological advancements and composite materials, is now a reality.
The project may be the first independent supersonic passenger project, but it’s already received interest from the speed junkie of the Aviation world. “I have long been passionate about aerospace innovation and the development of high-speed commercial flights,” said Richard Branson, founder of Virgin Group. “As an innovator in the space, Virgin Galactic’s decision to work with Boom was an easy one. We’re excited to have an option on Boom’s first 10 airframes. Through Virgin Galactic’s manufacturing arm, The Spaceship Company, we will provide engineering and manufacturing services, along with flight test support and operations as part of our shared ambitions.”
If the project is successful over the next couple of years, expect Virgin and Delta to start to heat up the transAtlantic and transcontinental race, taking the mantle from British Airways and bringing it to the competition.
The supersonic facts
1. First independently developed supersonic jet: Previously, supersonic flight has been the province of governments and militaries. The XB-1 is the first independently developed and privately-funded supersonic jet.
2. Fastest Civil Aircraft Ever: Cruising at Mach 2.2 (1,451mph), the Boom jets will be 10% faster than Concorde and 2.6X faster than other airliners.
3. State of the Art, Proven Technology: Leveraging 50 years’ progress in fundamental aerospace technologies, Boom uses proven tech (aerodynamics, materials, propulsion) to create a revolutionary new design. While the design is new, every key technology has already been proven safe and reliable on other commercial aircraft.
4. Premium Passenger Experience: With one spacious seat on each side of the aisle, each passenger has a large window, a personal overhead bin, and direct aisle access. Cruising up to 60,000’, passengers experience a smoother ride with less turbulence.
5. Safety First: The Boom design meets or exceeds industry and regulatory safety guidelines. Boom’s aim is to create an aircraft that is safe, fast, and a pleasant to fly.
TheDesignAir 
A plane called Boom? Really? As in “Fall down go boom”?
Ever heard of Sonic boom? But yeah, I see your point as well…
Whatever the name might be, if this aircraft is a success, then the world might change forever.
It’s a dumb name for a plane. Kind of like DELTA’s marketing tag. “Keep Climbing”. Ummm, what happens to an airplane the keeps climbing and doesn’t stop/level out? It goes into a stall. But some ad exec thought they were being clever.