Boom's supersonic engine tested for data centres before passenger flights
The company aims to power AI data centres with its Symphony engine before it is used in the Overture airliner.
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The headline uses sensational language, and the article focuses heavily on the potential of supersonic flight.
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Boom, the company founded by Blake Scholl in 2014, is preparing to test the core of its Symphony engine, designed to bring back supersonic passenger flight. This marks the first large-scale supersonic engine core developed since the Olympus 593, which powered Concorde. The initial activation of the Symphony engine is scheduled for next month, according to reports from The Standard.
A new approach to supersonic travel
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Blake Scholl, who previously founded a software start-up, established Boom with the ambition of developing a supersonic airliner that is both faster and more affordable than Concorde. He believes Concorde's downfall was due to its focus on national prestige rather than commercial viability and passenger experience. Scholl stated that Concorde was "very much an impressive tech demo" and that its seats were uncomfortable, with a high ticket price.
Boom's Overture airliner is projected to fly at Mach 1.7 over oceans. A key development is the engine's design, which Scholl claims will produce a sonic boom that does not reach the ground. This is achieved by flying at sufficient altitude and speed, causing the shockwaves to bend upwards. Boom has reportedly demonstrated this capability six times on its test jet, XB-1.
Financial strategy and future plans
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A significant aspect of Boom's strategy involves utilising the Symphony engine for AI data centres before its deployment in passenger aircraft. This approach aims to generate revenue and gather extensive operational data. The engine's ability to run without water and withstand heat makes it suitable for power-hungry data centres. This financial model is intended to make Boom independent of investors, contrasting with the challenges faced by companies like Reaction Engines, which entered administration in 2024.
Concorde, a symbol of supersonic passenger travel, was retired by British Airways and Air France in 2003. The decision followed a fatal crash in 2000 near Paris, where an Air France Concorde overran debris on the runway, leading to a burst tyre, fuel tank rupture, and subsequent crash that killed 113 people. The decline in premium travel after the 9/11 attacks further contributed to its withdrawal from service.
Despite the challenges, Boom has secured orders and pre-orders for 130 Overture jets from airlines including United, American Airlines, and Japan Airlines. Scholl envisions a future where supersonic travel is commonplace, allowing Londoners to explain to their children that journeys across the Atlantic once took significantly longer.
Questions this report answers
+What is Boom's plan for its Symphony engine before passenger flights begin?
Boom plans to use its Symphony engine to power AI data centres. This strategy aims to generate revenue and collect extensive test data for the engine's development before it is used in the Overture supersonic airliner.
+Why was Concorde retired from service?
Concorde was retired in 2003 due to a combination of factors. These included a fatal crash in 2000 and a significant downturn in premium travel following the 9/11 terrorist attacks.
+How does Boom aim to make its Overture airliner different from Concorde?
Boom aims for its Overture airliner to be faster, more comfortable, and more affordable than Concorde. Founder Blake Scholl believes Concorde was too expensive and uncomfortable for the average passenger.
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