Expert Q&A : Supersonic flight

Almost exactly 20 years after the retirement of Concorde, the dream of supersonic passenger flight remains very much alive. We spoke to some of The Engineers hoping to breathe new life into the concept and also asked some of the UK's leading independent researchers for their views on the feasibility of a new age of faster than the speed of sound flight. 

Troy Follak, Chief Technology Officer, Boom
Noris Tie, Chief Executive Officer, Exosonic
Dr Peter Thomas, head of the aerospace group and principal lecturer in aerospace engineering, University of Hertfordshire
Guy Gratton, Associate Professor of Aviation and the Environment, Cranfield University

What stage are you at in terms of aircraft development?

TF:  Boom is currently in the conceptual design development phase of Overture [Boom's proposed supersonic airliner]. Key updates include new global suppliers for Overture and significant design progress on Symphony, the propulsion system for Overture. Earlier this year we shared high level architectures that highlight key systems including avionics, flight controls, hydraulics, fuel systems, and landing gear. Among the major systems highlighted, Overture’s fuel systems provide centre of gravity control during subsonic and supersonic operations, enable sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) compatibility and supply fuel to the engines. Triple redundant hydraulic systems provide reliable power for flight controls and mechanical systems, and Overture’s landing gear is compatible with international airport runways and taxiways.