Boom Supersonic’s ‘Boomless Cruise’ Technology: A Revolution in Supersonic Flight
Introduction
Boom Supersonic, led by founder and CEO Blake Scholl, has unveiled its groundbreaking ‘Boomless Cruise’ technology, poised to revolutionize supersonic air travel by eliminating the audible sonic boom associated with traditional supersonic flight.
The Science Behind Boomless Cruise
Boomless Cruise is rooted in the physical principle known as ‘Mach cutoff.’ As an aircraft breaks the sound barrier at a sufficiently high altitude, the sonic boom ascends through the atmosphere, dissipating before reaching the ground. This phenomenon, previously observed in military supersonic aircraft, has now been adapted by Boom Supersonic for commercial aviation.
The key to Boomless Cruise lies in the bending of sound waves in the atmosphere, akin to light rays passing through glass. The speed of sound varies according to temperature, with colder air at higher altitudes increasing refraction. By precisely calculating the aircraft’s altitude and exploiting specific weather conditions, the sonic boom can be effectively concealed within the atmosphere.
Technical Requirements
Harnessing Boomless Cruise requires aircraft equipped with powerful engines capable of breaking the sound barrier and maintaining high-altitude flight. Advanced algorithms play a crucial role in predicting the sonic boom’s propagation and accessing real-time weather data. Boom Supersonic’s proprietary Symphony engines are designed to meet these demanding requirements.
Integration into the Overture Aircraft
Boomless Cruise will find its home in Overture, Boom Supersonic’s supersonic passenger aircraft. The technology will be seamlessly integrated into the aircraft’s autopilot system, empowering it to automatically select the optimal ‘boomless’ flight speed and altitude.
Speed and Altitude Considerations
Depending on weather conditions, Boomless Cruise speeds will range between Mach 1.1 and Mach 1.3. Exceeding these speeds will likely result in an audible sonic boom on the ground.
Regulatory Considerations
Boom Supersonic acknowledges that current regulations prohibit the use of Boomless Cruise over the contiguous United States. However, the company is actively engaging with authorities to explore updates to these regulations.
Benefits of Boomless Cruise
Boomless Cruise unlocks new route possibilities beyond the Mach 0.94 and Mach 1.7 speed options currently available. By optimizing flight altitudes and speeds, the technology can significantly reduce flight times between major destinations. For instance, flights between the east and west coasts of the USA could be shortened by approximately 90 minutes.
Conclusion
Boom Supersonic’s Boomless Cruise technology represents a quantum leap forward in supersonic flight. By eliminating the sonic boom, the company paves the way for faster, quieter, and more environmentally friendly supersonic travel. As regulatory hurdles are overcome and the technology matures, Boomless Cruise promises to redefine air travel, connecting distant destinations with unprecedented efficiency and convenience.
