Supersonic private jets: Are they the future of luxury travel

There have been only two major examples of commercial supersonic jets in aviation: the Aérospatiale/British Aerospace Concorde and the Tupolev Tu-144. Both aircraft, though popular among travelers, failed to be commercially successful due to their operating costs and enormous environmental impact. Aircraft manufacturers are eager to revive supersonic jet travel, particularly in the private aviation sector. Supersonic business jets (SSBJ) A number of companies worldwide have been working on the design and development of supersonic business jets (SSBJ). These jets are intended to transport 5-10 passengers at speeds exceeding the speed of sound. While the SSBJs are intended to be the same size as subsonic business jets, the design and operational capabilities have to be significantly different than those of their subsonic counterparts. Would supersonic business jets completely transform private aviation? Are they the future of luxury air travel? Despite many recent advancements in supersonic private jets, it is still too early to say if those jets can prove to be economically and environmentally viable in this day and age. Although fast and luxurious is a common desire for private jets, a balance of safety, operational viability, and environmental impact has to be kept. Virgin Galactic high-speed jet concept In 2020, Virgin Galactic unveiled a Mach 3 aircraft design for high-speed air travel. The design parameters of the supersonic aircraft include a Mach 3-certified delta wing design capable of cruising at high altitudes of approximately . The aircraft would have a capacity for nine to people offering custom cabin layouts and luxurious seating for optimal passenger comfort These features are equivalent to those in today s modern subsonic aircraft with the added advantage of supersonic speeds The aircraft will be capable of sustainable aviation fuel allowing minimal environmental impact due to its relatively higher fuel consumption and noise Besides Virgin Galactic a range of manufacturers are making use of sustainable technologies to baseline their respective supersonic jets The company is collaborating with Rolls Royce in designing and developing the propulsion system for the new supersonic private jet concept aircraft The first stage design scope outlined the high speed nature of the aircraft and its potential capabilities The company is focusing on customer experience and environmental sustainability as part of its commitment to the program industry stakeholders After Mission Concept Review Chief Space Officer Virgin Galactic George Whitesides commented We excited complete Mission Concept Review unveil initial design concept high speed aircraft envision blending safe reliable commercial travel unrivaled customer experience pleased collaborate innovative team Rolls Royce strive develop sustainable cutting edge propulsion systems aircraft pleased working FAA ensure designs make practical impact start made great progress far look forward opening new frontier high speed travel Propulsion aspect design highly challenging particularly when environmental viability forefront project Tom Bell North American chairman CEO Rolls Royce expressed excitement partnership could future private jet travel stating We excited partner Virgin Galactic TSC explore future sustainable high speed flight Rolls Royce brings unique history high speed propulsion going back Concorde offers world class technical capabilities develop field advanced propulsion systems needed power commercially available high Mach travel Boom Technology Boom XB United States based manufacturer Boom Technology developed one third scale trijet supersonic demonstrator aircraft transport passengers Aircraft dubbed Baby Boom designed part development Boom Overture passenger supersonic jet concept Boom Xb powered three General Electric J engines enable aircraft reach maintain Mach speeds Intended operational range nautical miles km mi demonstrator aircraft tested only Mach Boom Technology began ground testing aircraft December Following comprehensive taxi test campaign aircraft performed maiden flight January Aircraft became first privately developed jet aircraft achieve flight According Blake Scholl founder CEO Boom Technology XBs supersonic flight demonstrates technology passenger supersonic flight arrived small band talented dedicated engineers accomplished previously took governments billions dollars Next scaling technology XB Overture supersonic airliner ultimate goal bring benefits supersonic flight everyone First civilian supersonic jet Boom Technology designed developed flew first civilian supersonic jet since Concorde set scale aircraft deliver supersonic travel Overture cutting travel times half This milestone significant achieving supersonic flight private aviation changing private jet travel currently done Boom XB made second