Top 5 supersonic aircraft models that attract attention

Long after Concorde was discontinued, commercial companies are now developing new models of supersonic passenger aircraft.

A supersonic aircraft can fly at speeds faster than the speed of sound (Mach 1 or 1,235 km/h). As of 2024, there are only two commercial supersonic aircraft in service and both have been retired (Concorde and Tupolev Tu-144). Safety issues and challenges surrounding sonic booms make it extremely difficult to create a commercially viable supersonic airliner. Now, however, more and more supersonic aircraft are in development, led by Boom, according to Simple Flying .

1. Boeing 2707

The American company Boeing had its own supersonic passenger aircraft project in the 1960s, called the Boeing 2707. The Boeing 2707 was America's response to the European Concorde model, with the goal of becoming a larger and flew much faster than Concorde.

The design of the Boeing 2707 allows it to carry 250 - 300 passengers. According to Boeing, the aircraft model has a cruise speed of 3,334 km/h at an altitude of more than 18,288 m. The project continuously suffered from cost overruns and lacked a clear market (even though 26 airlines ordered 122 aircraft). Ultimately, the project was canceled in 1971 before any prototypes were completed.

2. Concorde

Concorde is perhaps the most famous supersonic passenger jet. As a cooperative project between the French company Sud Aviation and the British company British Aircraft Corporation, Concorde became the pride of the two countries' aviation technology. The idea of ​​Concorde began in 1954. The first flight of the aircraft model took place in 1969 in France. The vehicle can carry up to 100 passengers at a speed of 2,519 km/h.

Concorde could not operate on land due to the loud sonic boom. (Photo: Simple Flying).

At that time, the manufacturer predicted that the market would need about 350 aircraft, but in the end, the only customer groups were British Airways and Air France with only 20 aircraft built. The reason comes from the lack of flight routes (only used for flights over oceans) because sonic booms are banned on land. However, according to the National Air and Space Museum, Concorde flew 17,824 hours in 25 years, carrying several thousand passengers across the Atlantic.

3. Tupolev Tu-144

The Soviet Union once rushed to build its own commercial supersonic aircraft to compete with the West, named Tupolev Tu-144 with a capacity of 150 passengers. The Tu-144 took off on its first flight several months before the Anglo-French Concorde. However, the Tu-144 was even less commercially successful than the Concorde. Only 16 aircraft were built and 102 commercial flights were completed, including 55 passenger flights at a speed of 2,470 km/h.

The Tu-144 got off to a bad start when the first Tu-144S crashed at the Paris Air Show in 1973. The vehicle began commercial passenger flights in 1977, but another crash in 1978 put an end to Tu-144. The aircraft stopped carrying passengers and switched to cargo until it was decommissioned in 1983. The vehicle was used for training in the Soviet space program and made its last flight in 1999.

4. Boom Overture

The era of supersonic flight may return with the development of Boom Overture. According to Boom company, this is a slower and smaller aircraft than previous supersonic passenger aircraft with a cruise speed of 2,100 km/h and the ability to carry 64 - 80 passengers, depending on configuration. The company said there are more than 600 profitable flight routes. United Airlines also announced that it will buy 15 Boom Overture passenger aircraft, and may order 35 more aircraft.

The supersonic aircraft Boom Overture successfully test-flew in early March. (Photo: Boom).

2024 will be the year of completion of the final assembly line for Boom Overture. The vehicle will begin carrying passengers in 2029 and use 100% sustainable aviation fuel.

5. Spike Diplomat Supersonic Business Jet

The Spike Diplomat Supersonic Business Jet is another supersonic passenger jet in development. The vehicle differs from the aircraft mentioned above in that it is a business jet. Spike is designed for long-haul flights by private customers willing to pay a premium to shorten flight times by more than 50%.

Luxurious interior design of the Spike supersonic aircraft. (Photo: Spike Aerospace).

If built, the aircraft will fly at a speed of 1,976 km/h, 805 km faster than any civilian jet, and carry 12 - 18 passengers. The vehicle has no windows in the passenger compartment. Instead, it will integrate a camera that provides outside visibility. The interior will be extremely luxurious with spacious space for a small number of passengers.