Summary Reader Response Draft #3

There has been a growing interest in supersonic flight technology in the past few years, especially with the introduction of Boom Overture. Commercial supersonic aircraft can reach speeds greater than Mach 1.2, surpassing the speed of conventional subsonic aircraft. The purpose of these aircraft was to cut down on passenger travel time significantly. Commercial supersonic travel, which was previously experimented with using aircraft like the Concorde, is set to come back with Boom Overture thanks to previous supersonic aircraft innovation. The Overture is a new supersonic aircraft that aims to revive supersonic travel with updated technology, improved efficiency, and a focus on sustainability. It can transport passengers globally by flying at Mach 2.2. The aircraft consists of the wings manufactured by Aernnova, Leonardo for the fuselage and wing box, and the Symphony engine, which Boom developed.

The Symphony engine is one of the critical features of the Overture's performance, which enables high-speed travel while maintaining a low impact on the environment. The Symphony structure includes a two-spool, medium-bypass turbofan engine with no afterburner (Verdon, 2023). It generates 35,000 pounds of thrust. It incorporates advanced engineering principles and aerodynamic features to enhance performance, efficiency, and environmental sustainability. The Symphony Engine, which Boom Aerospace developed, is specifically designed to help minimise the intensity of sonic booms during supersonic flight.

The Boom Overture aims to address environmental concerns associated with supersonic flight by incorporating sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) and engines that consume less fuel. (Hardeman & Maurice, 2021, p.8). The technologies used in the Overture aircraft, such as the Symphony engine, are designed to reduce noise pollution and minimise environmental impact.

Shockwaves are produced when an aircraft exceeds the speed of sound and spreads outward in a cone-shaped pattern. When these shockwaves hit the ground, they combine into a single shockwave known as a "sonic boom.". A sudden, sharp rise in air pressure produces a loud noise similar to an explosion, which defines sonic booms.

The Concorde was criticised for its high fuel consumption and emissions, especially when travelling at high speeds. At the same time, the potential for noise pollution caused concern because of the sonic booms it produced. Despite its luxurious offerings, the Concorde encountered challenges such as limited routes, declining passenger numbers, and high operational expenses. Thus, this resulted in its retirement in 2003.

The Symphony Engine incorporates cutting-edge aerodynamic features and innovative design elements to shape and regulate shockwaves generated by the aircraft. This engine was developed to minimise the intensity of sonic booms produced during supersonic flight and achieved by manipulating the airflow using variable geometry components such as adjustable nozzles and intake ramps. By effectively managing the shockwaves produced during supersonic flight, the Symphony Engine can significantly reduce the noise levels experienced on the ground. This feature is of utmost importance as it addresses the issue of noise pollution and ensures that supersonic travel remains environmentally sustainable and socially acceptable.

Controlling and minimising sonic booms is crucial for regulatory approval for commercial supersonic flights in overpopulated areas. By showcasing effective noise management capabilities, aircraft equipped with Symphony Engines can meet the stringent noise regulations set by aviation authorities. The Symphony and Overture were designed to meet the FAA and EASA certification and airworthiness requirements, including Chapter 14 noise levels and applicable emission standards.  

However, the path to widespread adoption of supersonic aircraft has its challenges. The Boom Overture and other supersonic flight technologies are raising environmental concerns because of their higher fuel consumption and carbon emissions. According to critics, the trade-off between speed and sustainability is still open for debate. Stricter laws, rewards for eco-friendly behaviour, and ongoing study into alternative propulsion technologies are required to allay these worries. Boom Supersonic is dedicated to collaborating with lawmakers and stakeholders to find practical solutions to these problems.

In conclusion, the Overture aircraft by Boom Supersonic is a revolutionary development in aviation, promising to transform air travel with incredible speed, efficiency, and eco-friendliness. The engine is a significant advancement in supersonic propulsion technology, integrating modern design principles and materials. According to Boom Supersonic (2022), the new supersonic era will enable them to reshape where and how we utilise our time, giving travellers more opportunities to cherish life and the people in it most.

References:

Image: https://boomsupersonic.com/overture

Verdon (2023). Boom's New Supersonic Jet Just Got Closer to Hitting the Air. https://robbreport.com/motors/aviation/boom-supersonic-major-steps-towards-flight-1234860127/

Boom Supersonic (2022). It is About Time For a Bold New Era of Supersonic Flight. https://boomsupersonic.com/flyby/its-about-time-for-a-bold-new-era-of-supersonic-flight

Hardeman & Maurice (2021). Sustainability: the key to enable next generation supersonic passenger flight. https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/1757-899X/1024/1/012053