In the heart of the summer, at the bustling Farnborough International Airshow, a significant piece of aviation history intertwined with the future of supersonic travel. Mike Bannister, the former chief Concorde pilot renowned for his extensive experience with the iconic supersonic jet, took a remarkable step into the cockpit of the future. He had the unique opportunity to test the Overture flight deck simulator—introduced by Boom Supersonic—which promises to redefine high-speed commercial flight.

Bridging Generations of Aviation

The Concorde, retired two decades ago, was a symbol of speed and luxury, though encumbered with a complex cockpit crowded with knobs and gauges. Step into the era of Boom’s Overture, and the surroundings transform into something from a sci-fi film. The cockpit unveiled at the airshow, showcased sleek touchscreen interfaces replacing the myriad buttons of the past. The new design, according to Boom, centers around pilot convenience and a stark emphasis on safety.

“For someone who’s spent years flying a plane as iconic as the Concorde, seeing and experiencing the Overture’s advanced controls—it’s exhilarating,” Bannister shared after his simulation ride. “It’s not just about reliving the past speeds but stepping into a future where flying is not just faster but also significantly simpler.”

Simplicity and Safety in Design

The Overture’s designers have not simply focused on speed but brought forward a vision to streamline and enhance the flight experience. Incorporating feedback from real-world pilots, the cockpit is designed with an intuitive layout. Features like force-feedback sidesticks—a modern alternative to traditional yokes—offer pilots tactile feedback, mimicking the real-life responses of the aircraft.

“This new stick, it’s surprisingly intuitive,” remarked Brian Oliver, another former Concorde captain, echoing Bannister’s sentiments. “For someone who flew with yokes, adapting was a breeze, and the pressure feedback feels right.”

High-Tech Enhancements

Among the most futuristic aspects is the augmented reality system, replacing the old droop nose of the Concorde, which was mechanically lowered during takeoffs and landings to aid pilot visibility. Overture pilots will use augmented reality for enhanced situational awareness, benefiting from real-time digital overlays that guide safe landings and navigation.

Feedback from Wings of Experience

The transformation from analog to digital is stark, but former Consexual pilots find the transition smoother than anticipated. John Tye, another voice from Concorde’s past, commented on the ease with which he adapted to the controls: “It tells you something when you can jump into a simulator and almost immediately feel at home.”

Looking to the Skies

As we stand on the cusp of reviving commercial supersonic travel, the innovations in Overture’s cockpit represent a leap forward in making future air travel safer and more efficient. The advancements echo a shared sentiment among those who’ve commanded both Concorde and Overture: the spirit of supersonic travel is evolving, not just returning, and it’s coming with a promise of innovation crafted around the needs of those at the helm.

Boom Supersonic’s ambitions with Overture, reinforced by collaborations with leading aerospace technology experts, mark a committed step toward bringing the world closer, faster. As the prototypes transition into reality, both pilots and passengers may soon look forward to a new era where the allure of supersonic travel is commonplace, marrying nostalgia with groundbreaking advancements. Welcome back to the future of flying, where history meets innovation at mach speeds.

Read the story on the Boom Supersonic website: https://boomsupersonic.com/flyby/pilots-point-of-view-overtures-next-generation-flight-deck-mike-bannister

DENVER, July 23, 2024 – At the Farnborough International Airshow, Boom Supersonic, a trailblazer in supersonic technology, unveiled several strategic advancements in the development of its Overture airliner and Symphony engine programs. These developments signify significant progress in the company’s quest to launch the world’s fastest commercial airliner.

What’s new at Boom Supersonic?

Innovation in Cockpit Design

A highlight of the announcement is Boom’s innovative redesign of the cockpit, introducing a new flight deck that centers on enhancing pilot safety and interaction. This redesign includes the integration of the next-generation Honeywell Anthem avionics suite and a pioneering head-worn augmented reality system from Universal Avionics.

The new flight deck features force-feedback sidesticks, a first for commercial airliners, providing pilots with tactile feedback and greater control synchronization. It also boasts large 17-inch touchscreens that simplify cockpit management, focusing on software interfaces that streamline operations yet retain manual controls for critical flight functions.

Progress in Engine Development

The company also reported substantial progress on its proprietary Symphony engine, which has moved swiftly from design to hardware testing. Key developments include the initiation of rig-testing and the production of critical components like fuel nozzles and turbine center frames via 3D printing technologies.

With plans to have the first full-scale engine core operational in less than two years, Boom is setting an aggressive timeline for Symphony’s development. The engine core tests scheduled for late 2025 will evaluate the performance across compressor, combustor, and turbine sections, critical in fine-tuning the engine ahead of final certification.

Manufacturing Innovations

Boom announced an expanded partnership with StandardAero, which will assemble the Symphony engines at a new facility in San Antonio, Texas. Expected to produce up to 330 engines annually, this new setup emphasizes Boom’s commitment to scaling up operations efficiently and sustainably.

The collaboration with aerospace materials leader ATI, Inc. further boosts this aspect by providing advanced nickel-based superalloys vital for the high-pressure sections of the engine, ensuring durability and optimal performance under supersonic conditions.

Strategic Alliances and Future Outlook

Boom’s industry collaborations span key players across the aerospace technology landscape, positioning the Overture airliner as a frontrunner in the next era of commercial aviation. The company’s continued alignment with renowned suppliers and airlines underscores a shared vision for faster and more sustainable air travel.

With an ambitious goal to achieve FAA and EASA certification by the decade’s end, Boom Supersonic is steering closer to making ultra-fast commercial flights a reality. Currently, the Overture’s order book includes commitments from major carriers such as American Airlines, United Airlines, and Japan Airlines, reflecting strong market confidence in Boom’s technology and vision.

As Boom Supersonic moves forward in redefining modern air travel, the industry watches keenly. Their approach not only promises to halve travel times but also aligns with evolving priorities around environmental sustainability, aiming for Overture to operate on 100% sustainable aviation fuel.

For more insights into Boom Supersonic and their transformative technologies, visit https://boomsupersonic.com.

Source: Boom Supersonic

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Boom Supersonic, the pioneering company in supersonic aviation, recently marked a significant milestone with the completion of the Overture Superfactory. Located in Greensboro, North Carolina, the Overture Superfactory is the first supersonic airliner factory in the United States. With the capacity to produce 33 Overture aircraft per year, this state-of-the-art facility will not only strengthen American leadership in aerospace manufacturing but also revolutionize global air travel. Let’s take a closer look at the impact of this remarkable achievement.

A Paradigm Shift in Air Travel:

The Overture aircraft, developed by Boom Supersonic, is set to transform the aviation industry. Capable of flying twice as fast as current commercial planes, the Overture airliner will usher in a new era of speed, efficiency, and sustainability. Boom’s commitment to using up to 100% sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) ensures a greener future for air travel. This technological breakthrough attracts key industry players, such as United Airlines, American Airlines, and Japan Airlines, who have already placed orders for these innovative supersonic aircraft.

Boosting the Economy and Job Creation:

North Carolina, renowned for its aviation legacy, is thrilled to host Boom Supersonic’s groundbreaking manufacturing program. The full implementation of the Boom program is projected to contribute a staggering $32.3 billion to the state’s economy in the next 20 years. Moreover, the Overture Superfactory alone will generate over 2,400 jobs, establishing the region as an economic powerhouse and bolstering North Carolina’s position as the top state for business.

Sustainable and Cutting-Edge Facility:

The Overture Superfactory sets a new standard for environmentally conscious manufacturing facilities. Built by BE&K Building Group and designed by BRPH, this facility aims to achieve LEED certification, highlighting its commitment to sustainability. Anticipated to be at least 40% more energy-efficient than comparable manufacturing facilities, the Overture Superfactory demonstrates how economic growth and environmental stewardship can go hand in hand.

Operationalizing Production and Continuous Progress:

With construction complete, Boom Supersonic’s focus now shifts to operationalizing the production floor at the Overture Superfactory. Working in collaboration with tooling supplier Advanced Integration Technology (AIT), Boom will commence the installation of cutting-edge tooling, starting with a test cell unit. This advanced test cell will play a crucial role in refining manufacturing processes, optimizing assembly line flow, and preparing staff for Overture production.

Collaborative Partnerships and Major Milestones:

Boom Supersonic’s journey towards reshaping aviation is marked by crucial milestones. Most recently, the successful inaugural flight of XB-1, the supersonic demonstrator aircraft for Overture, exemplified the company’s commitment to safe and efficient supersonic air travel. As the flight test program progresses, the XB-1 will validate the aircraft’s performance and handling under supersonic speeds. Collaborations with industry leaders like Northrop Grumman, Aernnova, Collins Aerospace, and others reinforce the comprehensive approach that Boom is undertaking.

Boom Supersonic’s completion of the Overture Superfactory is a momentous achievement that sets the stage for a new chapter in aviation. With its innovative design, sustainable practices, and partnerships with renowned industry players, Boom Supersonic is revolutionizing air travel as we know it. The Overture aircraft produced at the Superfactory will not only deliver vital innovation to aviation but also provide millions of passengers around the world with the opportunity to experience supersonic flight. Get ready to soar to new heights with Boom Supersonic. The future of air travel is here.

About Boom Supersonic

Boom Supersonic’s mission is to make the world dramatically more accessible through flights that are faster, more affordable, more convenient, and more sustainable. 

Boom is developing Overture, the world’s fastest airliner – optimized for speed, safety, and sustainability. Overture will fly at twice the speed of today’s airliners and is optimized to run on up to 100% sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). Overture’s order book stands at 130 aircraft, including orders and pre-orders from American Airlines, United Airlines, and Japan Airlines. Boom is working with Northrop Grumman for government and defense applications of Overture. Suppliers and partners collaborating with Boom on the Overture program include Aernnova, Aciturri, Collins Aerospace, Eaton, Honeywell, Latecoere, Leonardo, Safran Landing Systems, and the United States Air Force.

Symphony™ is the propulsion system that will power Overture, a Boom-developed engine with world-class suppliers including Florida Turbine Technologies (FTT), a business unit of Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc., Colibrium Additive – a GE Aerospace Company, and StandardAero. 

XB-1 is Boom’s technology demonstrator aircraft and the world’s first independently developed supersonic jet. The aircraft first took flight in Mojave, CA in March 2024. For more information, visit https://boomsupersonic.com.  

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Source: Boom Aerospace