5 supersonic aircraft models that are attracting attention.

Long after the Concorde ceased operations, commercial companies are now developing new supersonic passenger aircraft models.

A supersonic aircraft can fly at speeds faster than the speed of sound (Mach 1 or 1,235 km/h). As of 2024, only two commercial supersonic aircraft were in operation, and both have since been decommissioned (Concorde and Tupolev Tu-144). Safety concerns and challenges surrounding sonic booms make creating commercially viable supersonic passenger aircraft extremely difficult. However, more and more supersonic aircraft are currently under development, led by Boom, according to Simple Flying .

1. Boeing 2707

The American company Boeing once 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, aiming to be a much larger and faster aircraft than the Concorde.

The Boeing 2707's design allowed for carrying 250-300 passengers. According to Boeing, the aircraft had a cruising speed of 3,334 km/h at an altitude of over 18,288 m. The project suffered from repeated cost overruns and a lack of a clear market (despite 26 airlines ordering 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. A collaborative project between the French company Sud Aviation and the British Aircraft Corporation, Concorde became a source of pride for the aviation technology of both countries. The idea for Concorde began in 1954. The first flight of the aircraft took place in 1969 in France. The aircraft could carry up to 100 passengers at a speed of 2,519 km/h.

Concorde was unable to operate on land due to the massive sonic boom. Photo: Simple Flying

At the time, the manufacturer predicted the market would need around 350 aircraft, but ultimately, the only customers were British Airways and Air France, with only 20 aircraft built. This was due to a lack of suitable routes (only for transatlantic flights) because supersonic blasts were banned on land. However, according to the National Air and Space Museum, the Concorde flew 17,824 hours over 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, the Tupolev Tu-144, with a capacity of 150 passengers. The Tu-144 took its first flight a few months before the Anglo-French Concorde. However, the Tu-144 was even less commercially successful than the Concorde. Only 16 aircraft were built and completed 102 commercial flights, including 55 passenger flights at a speed of 2,470 km/h.

The Tu-144 had a disastrous start when the first Tu-144S crashed at the 1973 Paris Air Show. The aircraft began commercial passenger flights in 1977, but another accident in 1978 put an end to the Tu-144's service. The model ceased passenger flights and switched to cargo transport until it was retired in 1983. The aircraft was used for training in the Soviet space program and made its final flight in 1999.

4. Boom Overture

The era of supersonic flight may be returning with the development of the Boom Overture. According to Boom, this is a slower and smaller aircraft compared to previous supersonic passenger planes, with a cruising speed of 2,100 km/h and the capacity to carry 64-80 passengers, depending on the configuration. The company says there are over 600 potentially profitable routes. United Airlines has also announced it will purchase 15 Boom Overture passenger planes, with a potential order for 35 more.

The Boom Overture supersonic aircraft successfully completed its test flight in early March. Photo: Boom

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

5. Spike Diplomat Supersonic Business Jet

The Spike Diplomat Supersonic Business Jet is another supersonic passenger jet under development. Unlike the aforementioned aircraft, this is a business jet. Spike is designed for long-haul flights by private customers willing to pay to shorten flight times by up to 50%.

The luxurious interior design of the Spike supersonic aircraft. Photo: Spike Aerospace

If built, the aircraft would fly at 1,976 km/h, 805 km/h faster than any civilian jet, and carry 12-18 passengers. The vehicle would have no windows in the passenger cabin. Instead, it would incorporate cameras providing an external view. The interior would be extremely luxurious with ample space for the small number of passengers.

An Khang (According to Simple Flying )

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