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Boom Technology
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Boom Technology
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Boom Technology, Inc. (trade name Boom Supersonic) is an American company developing the Overture, a supersonic airliner. It has also flight tested a one-third-scale demonstrator, the Boom XB-1, which broke the sound barrier for the first time on January 28, 2025, during a flight from the Mojave Air and Space Port.[3][4][5][1]

Key Information

History

[edit]

The company was founded in Denver in 2014.[6] It participated in a Y Combinator startup incubation program in early 2016, and has been funded by Y Combinator, Sam Altman, Paul Graham, Alex Gerko, Michael Moritz, Bessemer Venture Partners, Seraph Group, and others.[7][8]

In March 2017, $33 million was invested by several venture funds: Continuity Fund, RRE Ventures, Palm Drive Ventures, 8VC and Caffeinated Capital.[9] Boom secured $43 million of total financing by April 2017.[10] In 2017, Japan Airlines invested $10 million, as part of a Series B fundraising round that brought the company capital to $156 million by 2020: enough to build the XB-1 demonstrator and complete its testing, and to start early design work on the 60-80-seat airliner.[9][11] As of 2025, the company has raised over $600 million in investor funding.[12]

In January 2022, the company announced plans to build a 400,000-square-foot (37,000 m2) manufacturing facility on a 65-acre (260,000 m2) site at Piedmont Triad International Airport in Greensboro, North Carolina.[13] Construction on the facility, named the Overture Superfactory, was completed in June 2024.[14]

In November 2023, a representative of the NEOM Investment Fund announced their investment in Boom at an undisclosed amount.[15] This follows an announcement by Boom of a "strategic investment" in the company from the fund.[16]

If completed, the 60- to 80-seat aircraft, Overture, would be the first supersonic passenger jet since the British-French Concorde which was retired in 2003.[17][1]

Projects

[edit]

XB-1 demonstrator

[edit]
Main article: Boom XB-1

The Boom XB-1 is a one-third-scale supersonic demonstrator, designed to fly up to Mach 1.3, and powered by three General Electric J85-15 engines with a total of 12,900 pounds-force [lbf] (57 kN) of thrust.[18] It was rolled out in October 2020.[19] It was expected to be flight tested in 2022,[20] but delays pushed the first flight test to March 22, 2024.[21] During the first test flight, the aircraft reached speeds of up to 264 knots (489 km/h; 304 mph) and achieved an altitude of over 7,000 feet (2,100 m).[22] In the ninth test flight on 13 December 2024, the aircraft reached speeds of up to Mach 0.87 or 517 knots (957 km/h; 595 mph) and achieved an altitude of over 27,000 feet (8,200 m).[23]

During the twelfth test flight on 28 January 2025, the aircraft broke the sound barrier three times, reaching speeds up to Mach 1.122, or approximately 650 knots (1,200 km/h; 750 mph) and achieved an altitude of over 35,000 feet (11,000 m).[24] The aircraft became the first privately funded aircraft to break the sound barrier, reaching a speed of Mach 1.122.[25] The company said XB-1 achieved supersonic flight without generating an audible sonic boom that reached the ground after refining its sonic boom models and improving algorithms for predicting Mach cutoff conditions.[26][27] XB-1’s final flight on 10 February 2025 consisted of three more supersonic runs, reaching a top speed of Mach 1.18, or 671 knots (1,243 km/h; 772 mph) and an altitude of over 36,000 feet (11,000 m). During this flight, Boom partnered with NASA to capture a Schlieren image showing the shock waves resulting from XB-1 pushing through the air at supersonic speeds.[28]

Overture airliner

[edit]
Main article: Boom Overture

The Boom Overture is a proposed supersonic transport designed to achieve an airspeed of Mach 1.7 (1,000 kn; 1,800 km/h; 1,100 mph), accommodate 60 to 80 passengers and a planned range of 4,250 nmi (7,870 km; 4,890 mi).[29] Boom said there could be a market for over 1,000 supersonic airliners, and suggests airlines could charge business or first class fares.[10] It decided to use the delta wing configuration of Concorde[30] and make use of composite materials.[9] It is to be powered by four 40,000 pounds-force [lbf] (180 kN) medium bypass turbofan engines.[31]

In January 2021, Boom announced plans to begin Overture test flights in 2027[32] and Boom CEO Blake Scholl "estimates that flights on Overture will be available in 2030."[33]

United Airlines announced in June 2021 that it had signed a deal to purchase 15 Boom Overture aircraft, with an option to buy 35 more.[34][35] American Airlines announced in August 2022 it had agreed to purchase 20 Boom Overture aircraft.[36] Boom’s orders and pre-orders total 130 aircraft from airlines including United Airlines, American Airlines, and Japan Airlines. 

Symphony engine

[edit]
Main article: Boom Symphony

In December 2022, Boom announced the Symphony, a new propulsion system to be designed for the Overture. Boom will work with three companies to develop Symphony: Florida Turbine Technologies for engine design, Colibrium Additive for additive technology design consulting, and StandardAero for maintenance.[37] In April 2025, Boom acquired a former Reaction Engines hypersonic test facility at Colorado Air and Space Port, to serve as the dedicated test site for the Symphony engine.[38]

Mach 4 airliner concept

[edit]

Boom Supersonic participated in a NASA-led study to develop concept designs and technology roadmaps for a Mach 4 airliner. Boom was part of a team led by Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems, alongside Blue Ridge Research and Consulting and Rolls-Royce North American Technologies.[39]

Superpower natural gas turbine

[edit]

Introduced in December 2025, Superpower is a 42-megawatt (MW) natural gas turbine based on the Symphony engine utilized in the Overture supersonic airliner.[40] This turbine is designed to power AI data centers. It is also intended to generate revenue for Boom while collecting operational data for the Symphony engine.[41] The Superpower maintains a consistent output of 42 MW even at temperatures of up to 110°F (43°C) without derating.[42] It operates without cooling water, fits within an ISO-container-sized enclosure, and shares 80% of its components with the Symphony.[43] Crusoe Energy, an AI infrastructure company collaborating with OpenAI on initiatives such as the Stargate data center, placed an order for 29 units, totaling 1.21 GW, as part of a $1.25 billion backlog.[44] The Superpower is expected to be delivered to Crusoe Energy in 2027.[45]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Boom Technology

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from Grokipedia
Boom Technology, Inc., operating as Boom Supersonic, is an American aerospace company dedicated to developing sustainable supersonic commercial passenger aircraft to restore faster-than-sound travel for the public. Founded in 2014 by software engineer Blake Scholl in Denver, Colorado, the company focuses on innovative designs that prioritize speed, safety, and environmental compatibility, including full use of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). The company's flagship project is the supersonic airliner, a 64- to 80-passenger jet capable of cruising at Mach 1.7 with a range of 4,250 nautical miles, enabling transatlantic flights in half the time of conventional . is engineered to operate entirely on 100% SAF, reducing lifecycle carbon emissions compared to legacy supersonic designs like the . As of 2025, Boom has secured orders and options for up to 130 aircraft from major carriers including , , and , with deliveries targeted for the late 2020s. To support production, Boom completed construction of its Superfactory in , in 2024, designed to manufacture up to 33 aircraft per year. Boom's development efforts include the XB-1 demonstrator aircraft, a one-third-scale prototype of that validates key technologies such as and . The XB-1 achieved its first flight in March 2024 at , , reaching speeds up to Mach 0.95 initially, and progressed to supersonic flight (Mach 1+) in 2025 with six successful runs and no audible sonic booms during "boomless cruise" tests. By late 2025, the XB-1 had completed 13 test flights in partnership with for advanced imaging studies, marking the first civilian supersonic jet flight since the Concorde's in 2003. Additionally, the engine, a custom medium-bypass non-afterburning providing 40,000 pounds of , began ground testing in 2024 and is optimized for Overture's performance while maintaining SAF compatibility. Headquartered in (near ), with manufacturing in Greensboro, Boom has raised over $800 million in funding from prominent investors such as , , and founders of companies like , , and Stripe. The company also holds contracts with the U.S. for rapid innovation prototyping, valued at up to $60 million, underscoring its role in advancing both commercial and defense supersonic technologies. Through these initiatives, Boom Supersonic positions itself as a leader in revitalizing high-speed while addressing modern and regulatory challenges, including the U.S. in June 2025 lifting restrictions on supersonic flights over land.

History

Founding and Early Development

Boom Technology, Inc., commonly known as Boom Supersonic, was founded in September 2014 by Blake Scholl, a software engineer with prior experience at Amazon in its early years and as co-founder of the mobile technology startup Kima Labs, which was acquired by Groupon in 2012. Scholl's motivation stemmed from a lifelong enthusiasm for aviation and a desire to revive commercial supersonic passenger travel, which had ended with the retirement of the Concorde in 2003; he has cited regretting never having flown on the iconic jet as a personal driver for the company's mission to make high-speed flight accessible and mainstream again. The company began operations modestly in a basement in Centennial, Colorado, often referred to internally as "HQ1," reflecting Scholl's bootstrapped approach using proceeds from his prior ventures to hire the initial team. From its inception, Boom's vision centered on achieving sustainable supersonic flight without relying on unproven radical innovations, instead leveraging existing technologies such as advanced composites and efficient engines to address key challenges like sonic booms, , and environmental impact. Scholl emphasized building aircraft optimized for speed, safety, and sustainability, with a goal of enabling supersonic travel that aligns with global efforts to reduce carbon emissions through compatible fuels like sustainable aviation fuel. The company was formally incorporated in , , establishing it as the headquarters to benefit from the region's growing ecosystem and access to engineering talent. In its formative years, Boom conducted initial conceptual work on passenger designs between 2015 and 2016, focusing on preliminary aerodynamic models and structural innovations suitable for high-speed operations. This period included early filings related to the use of composite materials in supersonic flight, aimed at enhancing strength-to-weight ratios and resistance for airframes operating at Mach speeds. These efforts laid the groundwork for subsequent demonstrator projects, marking the transition from ideation to practical engineering development.

Key Milestones

Boom Technology announced the supersonic airliner concept in 2017, marking its entry into commercial supersonic aviation development. On December 5, 2017, the company secured its first major order commitment through a strategic partnership with , which invested $10 million and secured options for up to 20 aircraft. In 2020, Boom revealed the design of its XB-1 technology demonstrator aircraft on October 7, aimed at validating key aerodynamic and propulsion technologies for . The reveal was followed by initial ground testing, including taxi tests, to prepare for flight trials. On January 26, 2022, Boom announced plans for the Superfactory, a dedicated manufacturing facility in . The 400,000-square-foot facility on a 65-acre at represents a major step in scaling production. In June 2024, Boom completed construction of the Superfactory. In 2025, the XB-1 achieved significant supersonic flight milestones, beginning with its first break on January 28 at the Mojave Air & Space Port, reaching Mach 1.122 and demonstrating boomless cruise technology with no audible on the ground. The program culminated in six total supersonic flights across 13 test sorties, validating quiet supersonic flight capabilities essential for future commercial operations. Regulatory progress supported these achievements, including the Federal Aviation Administration's issuance of a Special Flight Authorization on April 7, 2024, allowing XB-1 to exceed Mach 1 during test flights, with subsequent airworthiness confirmed in August 2023. Boom continues to pursue environmental certifications for , including FAA Stage 1 issue papers for supersonic operations and compliance with noise and emissions standards.

Organization and Operations

Leadership and Personnel

Blake Scholl founded Boom Supersonic in 2014 and serves as its CEO, bringing a background in to drive innovation in . He began his career at Amazon as a software engineer in 2001, where he developed foundational technologies, before transitioning to roles in and advertising technology. Scholl's lifelong passion for , sparked in his childhood in suburban , motivated him to establish Boom with the goal of reviving sustainable supersonic travel. The executive team includes key leaders focused on scaling operations, such as Shonn Stahlecker as VP of , overseeing financial strategy for growth; Rachel Devine as SVP of , managing regulatory and policy engagements; Jeff Mabry as SVP of Programs, directing and development initiatives; Megan Young as SVP of Product Marketing and Customers; and Chris Taylor as VP of Manufacturing, leveraging expertise in production scaling for composite structures. Former Chief Development Officer Brian Durrence contributed significantly to , emphasizing aerodynamic optimization and systems integration. Boom's personnel has expanded from a small team of around 10 in its early years to over 200 employees by 2025, drawing talent with specialized knowledge in composites for lightweight airframes, aerodynamics for supersonic efficiency, and sustainability practices like sustainable aviation fuel integration. The workforce includes engineers who have contributed to more than 220 aircraft and spacecraft programs, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration. The company's advisory council and board provide strategic guidance from aerospace veterans, including Phil Condit, former Chairman and CEO of The Boeing Company, and Ray O. Johnson, former CTO of , alongside experts like Dr. Mark J. Lewis, former USAF Chief Scientist with ties, influencing decisions on technical feasibility and innovation. Scholl's leadership has been instrumental in securing early seed funding to bootstrap initial development.

Funding and Partnerships

Boom Technology has secured substantial financial backing to support its development of supersonic commercial aviation. As of 2025, the company has raised over $600 million in total funding across multiple rounds, including seed, Series A through D, and strategic investments. Early investors included Y Combinator, which participated in the seed stage in 2016, and 8VC, a lead in the $33 million Series A round in 2017. Subsequent rounds featured participation from firms such as Bessemer Venture Partners and corporate entities like Japan Airlines. Strategic partnerships with major airlines have provided key commitments for Boom's supersonic airliner. United Airlines signed an agreement in 2021 to purchase 15 aircraft, contingent on meeting safety, operational, and sustainability standards. placed a deposit in 2022 for up to 20 , with options for an additional 40. entered a partnership in 2017, contributing to an that reached 130 aircraft by 2024, including pre-orders from these carriers. Boom has also collaborated with leading suppliers to advance its technological integration. Honeywell was selected in 2023 to provide the Anthem integrated flight deck and avionics systems for Overture. StandardAero expanded its partnership in 2024 to handle Symphony engine production, assembly, and maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services, dedicating significant facility space to the effort. In 2025, Boom partnered with NASA for advanced imaging during XB-1 supersonic tests and with Universal Avionics for enhanced flight deck systems. Government support has bolstered Boom's demonstrator program through Department of Defense (DoD) contracts. In 2022, the U.S. Air Force awarded a $60 million contract via AFWERX to advance the XB-1 demonstrator's development and supersonic flight testing for potential military applications. This built on a 2020 agreement exploring Overture adaptations for executive transport, further enabling XB-1 risk reduction efforts.

Technological Innovations

Aerodynamic and Structural Design

Boom Technology's aerodynamic design for emphasizes a delta-wing configuration, which features highly swept-back wings to maintain subsonic airflow over the leading edges during high-speed flight, thereby reducing formation and associated drag. This configuration balances efficient performance at Mach 1.7 cruise speeds with stable handling during subsonic phases like , while optimizing for low signatures that minimize ground noise levels to enable overland routes. The delta wings sweep at a higher angle than those on subsonic airliners such as the , contributing to smoother airflow and lower . Structurally, Boom's designs rely extensively on carbon fiber composite materials to achieve lightweight yet robust airframes capable of withstanding the thermal and aerodynamic stresses of sustained Mach 1.7+ flight. These composites form nearly the entire structure of demonstrators like the XB-1 and the airliner, offering superior strength-to-weight ratios and reduced compared to traditional aluminum alloys used in earlier . The materials also provide heat resistance essential for high-speed operations, maintaining structural integrity under elevated temperatures without excessive weight penalties that could compromise . To minimize —a primary inefficiency in supersonic flight—Boom incorporates area ruling principles, shaping the into a contoured, Coke-bottle form that smooths the aircraft's cross-sectional area distribution from nose to tail. This tapering design reduces abrupt changes in air displacement, lowering the intensity of shock waves and overall drag by optimizing volume progression along the . Complementary nose shaping features a pointed, elongated profile that further diminishes initial shock strength, while thinner wings integrated with the ruled enhance the overall aerodynamic efficiency. Boom integrates quiet supersonic concepts akin to NASA's QueSST initiative, focusing on airframe shaping to disperse shock waves and produce a softer "thump" rather than a disruptive boom on the ground, facilitating regulatory approval for supersonic overland travel. These low-boom optimizations, achieved through extensive simulations and testing, ensure the design meets noise thresholds comparable to subsonic during critical flight phases. The airliner exemplifies this approach, applying these aerodynamic and structural elements to support efficient, quieter transcontinental routes.

Propulsion and Sustainability Features

Boom Technology has developed the engine, a twin-spool, medium-bypass designed specifically for efficient supersonic cruise without the use of an , marking a departure from traditional supersonic systems. This architecture enables sustained Mach 1.7 flight while optimizing at 35,000 to 40,000 pounds per engine during takeoff, leveraging advanced features such as an axisymmetric supersonic and a variable-geometry low-noise exhaust . The single-stage fan and passively cooled high-pressure further enhance performance by reducing weight and maintenance needs, with additive techniques accelerating development and improving component durability by up to 25% in time on wing compared to derivative engine approaches. As of 2025, Symphony development has progressed to rig testing, with ignition tests completed and a fully operational engine core prototype planned for 2026. Central to Boom's propulsion strategy is a strong emphasis on sustainability, with the Symphony engine fully compatible with 100% sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) to enable net-zero carbon operations. The company committed to achieving net-zero carbon emissions across its operations by 2025, supported by offtake agreements for millions of gallons of SAF produced from captured carbon, such as a deal with Dimensional Energy for up to 5 million gallons annually starting in 2023. This approach builds on Boom's 2021 Environmental Sustainability Report, which outlines pathways to reduce lifecycle emissions through SAF adoption, targeting up to 80% reductions compared to conventional jet fuel while planning for fully decarbonized fuels by 2040. Overture, powered by four Symphony engines, is engineered to operate entirely on SAF, aligning with broader industry efforts to scale production for viable supersonic travel. However, critics argue that supersonic aircraft like Overture may still result in higher overall emissions per passenger due to increased fuel burn at high speeds, potentially undermining sustainability goals despite SAF use. To address environmental concerns beyond emissions, Boom incorporates technologies into its design, ensuring compliance with stringent FAA Stage 5 and ICAO Chapter 14 standards. The absence of afterburners eliminates high-noise takeoff thrust augmentation used in legacy designs like , while the medium-bypass configuration and specialized exhaust nozzle provide acoustic shielding and quieter operation during subsonic phases. These features allow to meet modern airport noise limits without sonic booms over land, facilitating overland supersonic routing where permitted. The engine contributes to overall targets by achieving lower fuel burn than through non-afterburning operation, advanced composites, and aerodynamic optimizations, reducing operating costs by approximately 10% relative to derivative engine strategies. This focus on fuel economy prioritizes conceptual advancements in and materials over exhaustive numerical benchmarks, enabling competitive for supersonic service.

Projects

XB-1 Demonstrator

The XB-1, also known as "," serves as Boom Technology's one-third-scale experimental supersonic demonstrator, designed to validate critical aerodynamic configurations, flight stability, and mitigation technologies prior to their integration into the full-scale airliner. This focuses on proving the feasibility of efficient supersonic cruise with reduced noise signatures, incorporating features like a slender and area-ruled design to minimize drag and boom intensity. The aircraft measures 62.6 feet in length with a 21-foot and a of approximately 13,500 pounds, constructed primarily from carbon-fiber composites for lightweight strength. It is powered by three J85-15 small turbojet engines, providing a total of 12,300 pounds of , enabling an intended top speed of Mach 2.2 and a range exceeding 1,000 nautical miles. Advanced , including digital controls and displays for pilots, support precise handling during high-speed regimes. Ground testing of the XB-1 commenced in late 2022 at the in , progressing to high-speed taxi runs by 2023 to evaluate integration and control surfaces. These efforts continued into 2024, encompassing engine runs, systems checks, and low-speed maneuvers to ensure structural integrity and aerodynamic performance before powered flight. The took place on March 22, 2024, marking the first takeoff of a privately developed civil supersonic jet in over two decades, followed by 10 additional subsonic test flights in 2024 and one more in January 2025, for a total of 11 subsonic flights before achieving supersonic milestones. In 2025, the XB-1 achieved its primary objectives with supersonic milestones. On January 28, the aircraft completed its maiden supersonic flight, breaking twice during a 34-minute from Mojave, reaching Mach 1.12 at 35,290 feet and sustaining supersonic conditions for about four minutes without reported anomalies. A follow-on flight on February 10 marked the program's finale, with the XB-1 exceeding Mach 1 three times—attaining a peak of Mach 1.18 at 36,514 feet—while acoustic sensors confirmed no audible on the ground, validating the low-boom design's effectiveness. These 13 total flights across 2024 and 2025 provided essential data on supersonic stability and noise reduction, conducted in partnership with for advanced imaging studies, paving the way for development. Following the February 10, 2025, flight, the XB-1 program concluded with 13 test flights, and the aircraft was retired and placed on display at Boom's headquarters.

Overture Airliner

The Overture is Boom Technology's flagship commercial supersonic airliner, designed to restore efficient passenger supersonic travel over long-haul routes such as transatlantic flights. Measuring 201 feet in length with a wingspan of 106 feet, the aircraft is engineered to carry 60 to 80 passengers in an all-premium configuration while cruising at Mach 1.7 and reaching altitudes of up to 60,000 feet. Its transatlantic range of 4,250 nautical miles enables nonstop service between major city pairs like New York and London in approximately 3.5 hours, prioritizing speed, safety, and sustainability through compatibility with up to 100% sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). The design incorporates aerodynamic efficiencies validated through testing of the subscale XB-1 demonstrator. Key features of the include a luxury all-business-class cabin with large windows, premium materials, and advanced in-flight connectivity to enhance passenger comfort during high-speed travel. The interior emphasizes spaciousness and modern amenities, such as interactive systems, allowing passengers to work or relax effectively. Propulsion is provided by four engines, each delivering 35,000 pounds of thrust, which integrate seamlessly with the to minimize noise and emissions while supporting the aircraft's supersonic performance. Development of the is advancing, with final assembly set to begin at Boom's Superfactory in , following the facility's completion in 2024. The company targets a first flight in 2027, followed by FAA and EASA certification in 2029, and entry into commercial service by the end of the decade. This timeline supports production scaling, with the initial capable of building up to 33 annually. Boom has secured a robust order backlog for the Overture, totaling over 130 commitments from major airlines including United Airlines (up to 50 aircraft), American Airlines (up to 60), and Japan Airlines (up to 20). Valued at more than $20 billion based on list prices around $200 million per aircraft, these orders underscore strong market interest in supersonic revival.

Symphony Engine

The engine is Boom Supersonic's proprietary engine, developed in-house to power the company's supersonic airliner and enable efficient Mach 1.7 cruise over land. Designed as a twin-spool, medium-bypass without an , it prioritizes subsonic efficiency during takeoff and landing while supporting sustained supersonic dash. The engine is fully compatible with 100% (SAF), aligning with Boom's carbon-neutral flight goals through optimized combustion for reduced emissions. Key specifications include a thrust output of 35,000 lbf per engine, with four units mounted under the Overture's wings to provide the total required for the 65–80 passenger aircraft. The design incorporates a single-stage fan for quiet operation and meets FAA Part 33 and EASA CS-E certification standards, including global noise regulations. Overall dimensions are approximately 12 feet in length and 4 feet in diameter, facilitating integration into the airliner's nacelles. A notable in the Symphony's development is the extensive use of additive manufacturing, or , to rapidly prototype and test components like combustor rigs, reducing build times from months to weeks and enabling improvements. This approach has been applied to full-scale sector tests of the , evaluating airflow, fuel nozzle performance, and pressure drops through techniques such as smoke visualization. The engine's also features passively cooled turbine components to handle high-temperature supersonic operations without traditional afterburners. Testing of the began with component rig evaluations in mid-2023 at facilities partnered with Florida Turbine Technologies, focusing on combustor aerodynamics and over 30 targeted experiments. Ground testing of the engine core commenced in late 2025 at the Air & Space Port, a former hypersonic site upgraded with Boom's $3–5 million investment for noise-monitored runs. Full-scale integration and flight qualification tests are scheduled for 2026, ahead of Overture's first powered flights. Assembly of production engines will occur at StandardAero's facility in , .

Future Outlook

Expansion and Manufacturing

Boom Technology has significantly expanded its manufacturing capabilities through the development of the in , marking the first dedicated facility for supersonic airliner production in the United States. Construction on the facility began in early 2023 and was completed in June 2024, with groundbreaking occurring less than 17 months prior to the ribbon-cutting ceremony. The Superfactory is designed to support the assembly of the airliner, with an initial production capacity of 33 per year upon becoming operational, expected in 2026. Plans include adding a second to scale output to 66 aircraft annually, enhancing Boom's ability to meet growing demand for sustainable supersonic travel. To bolster production scaling, Boom has forged key partnerships in its , particularly for advanced composites and systems essential to the Overture's design. Aernnova serves as the supplier for the aircraft's composite wings, while Aciturri provides the and Leonardo handles the structural components, all leveraging lightweight composite materials for efficiency and performance. For , Honeywell supplies the integrated and platform, complemented by Universal Avionics for the external vision system, ensuring robust and safety features in supersonic operations. These collaborations, announced progressively from 2022 to 2023, enable streamlined component integration and reduce development risks as ramps up. Workforce expansion is a cornerstone of Boom's growth strategy, with the company planning to increase its headcount substantially to support factory operations and overall production goals. As of late 2025, Boom employs approximately 300 people, but the Overture Superfactory is projected to add over 1,700 jobs in alone by the end of the decade, contributing to a total workforce exceeding 2,400 by 2032. This growth focuses on skilled roles in , assembly, and to facilitate the transition from demonstrator testing to full-scale . Boom maintains operational infrastructure through dedicated test sites, including the Mojave Air & Space Port in , where the XB-1 demonstrator has conducted multiple flight tests since 2024 to validate supersonic technologies. This facility supports controlled high-speed testing in approved airspace, aiding the iterative development needed for and production readiness without overlapping into international sites at this stage.

Long-Term Concepts and Goals

Boom Technology envisions extending supersonic capabilities to specialized applications, including potential supersonic business jets for executive travel and variants for critical transport to accelerate global . At events like the 2025 National Business Aviation Association Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (NBAA-BACE), company representatives highlighted interest in adapting their "Boomless Cruise" technology—designed to mitigate sonic booms—for future business platforms, though no firm development plans have been announced. Similarly, discussions have pointed to supersonic solutions as a means to enable faster transoceanic delivery of time-sensitive goods, building on the efficiency gains demonstrated by their core design. The company plays a key role in influencing industry regulations, particularly around mitigation to permit overland supersonic operations. Boom's advancements in low-boom aerodynamics have spurred international standards development by the (ICAO) for supersonic noise certification, including procedures for enroute evaluation. In the United States, their efforts contributed to the introduction of the Supersonic Aviation Modernization (SAM) Act in May 2025, which seeks to repeal the Federal Aviation Administration's longstanding prohibition on civil supersonic flight (14 CFR § 91.817) provided no audible reaches the ground. In June 2025, President Trump issued an directing the FAA to repeal the prohibition on civil supersonic flight over land, provided no audible occurs, further advancing these regulatory changes. Boom advocates for expanded global infrastructure supporting sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) to ensure environmentally viable supersonic travel. Through partnerships like a 2023 offtake agreement with Dimensional Energy for up to 5 million gallons of SAF annually, the company aims to secure supplies compatible with 100% SAF operations on its aircraft. Boom's sustainability strategy includes achieving net-zero carbon emissions across its operations by 2025, while pushing for scaled SAF production to meet broader aviation demands and reduce lifecycle emissions by up to 100% compared to conventional . Central to Boom's long-term vision is democratizing supersonic travel by targeting ticket prices comparable to current premium subsonic fares, such as . Founder and CEO Blake Scholl has stated that round-trip transatlantic flights could cost around $5,000, aligning with typical pricing and making high-speed options accessible beyond elite markets. This approach seeks to capture a larger passenger base, projecting demand for over 1,000 on more than 600 routes worldwide.

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  26. https://boomsupersonic.com/united
  27. https://news.aa.com/news/news-details/2022/American-Airlines-Announces-Agreement-to-Purchase-Boom-Supersonic-Overture-Aircraft-Places-Deposit-on-20-Overtures-FLT-08/
  28. https://aerospace.honeywell.com/us/en/about-us/press-release/2023/12/boom-supersonic-selects-honeywell-anthem-integrated-flight-deck-for-overture-aircraft
  29. https://standardaero.com/engines/boomsupersonic/symphony/
  30. https://www.flightglobal.com/airframers/boom-introduces-overture-flightdeck-and-leans-on-standardaero-for-supersonic-engine-assembly/159310.article
  31. https://boomsupersonic.com/press-release/boom-supersonic-partners-with-nasa-to-capture-iconic-image-of-civil-supersonic-flight
  32. https://www.universalavionics.com/home/resources/blogs/detail/ua-blog/2025/07/18/breaking-the-sound-barrier--universal-avionics-and-boom-supersonic-poised-to-revolutionize-air-travel
  33. https://boomsupersonic.com/press-release/us-air-force-and-boom-supersonic-enter-into-strategic-partnership
  34. https://www.afmc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/3042048/air-force-visits-boom-supersonic/
  35. https://boomsupersonic.com/flyby/aerodynamics-101-the-shape-of-supersonic
  36. https://boomsupersonic.com/press-release/boom-supersonic-achieves-supersonic-flight
  37. https://spectrum.ieee.org/supersonic-jet
  38. https://boomsupersonic.com/flyby/the-shape-of-aerodynamics
  39. https://boomsupersonic.com/boomless-cruise
  40. https://boomsupersonic.com/overture
  41. https://boomsupersonic.com/flyby/introducing-symphony-the-sustainable-and-cost-efficient-engine-for-overture
  42. https://boomsupersonic.com/press-release/boom-supersonic-and-dimensional-energy-announce-sustainable-aviation-fuel-offtake-agreement
  43. https://boomsupersonic.com/flyby/measure-reduce-offset-how-boom-plans-to-achieve-net-zero-carbon-by-2025
  44. https://boom-press-assets.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Boom-Supersonic-2021-Environmental-Sustainability-Report.pdf
  45. https://insideclimatenews.org/news/16092024/nasa-supersonic-test-flight-low-boom-high-pollution/
  46. https://theicct.org/supersonic-aircraft-dec24/
  47. https://boomsupersonic.com/press-release/boom-supersonic-reveals-refined-overture-and-announces-landmark-market-expanding-alliance-with-northrop-grumman-and-new-tier-one-suppliers
  48. https://simpleflying.com/boom-vs-concorde-supersonic-passenger-jets-differ/
  49. https://boomsupersonic.com/xb-1
  50. https://www.airport-technology.com/news/boom-supersonics-xb-1-supersonic-flight/
  51. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hg9pHnQ4zTs
  52. https://boomsupersonic.com/flyby/up-to-speed-february-2025
  53. https://www.flightradar24.com/blog/live/boom-xb-1s-second-supersonic-flight/
  54. https://bjtonline.com/business-jet-news/supersonic-aircraft-showing-progress-with-engine-avionics
  55. https://www.fanaticalfuturist.com/2021/07/supersonic-travel/
  56. https://www.airport-technology.com/news/boom-supersonics-overture-updates-new-suppliers-and-engine-details/
  57. https://boomsupersonic.com/press-release/boom-supersonic-announces-symphony-engine-test-site-at-colorado-air-space-port
  58. https://boomsupersonic.com/flyby/turning-powder-into-power-how-boom-is-using-3d-printing-to-accelerate-symphony-engine-testing
  59. https://boomsupersonic.com/flyby/symphony-engine-progress-rig-testing
  60. https://www.metal-am.com/boom-supersonic-propulsion-system-to-leverage-am-with-ge-additive/
  61. https://boomsupersonic.com/superfactory
  62. https://boomsupersonic.com/flyby/setting-the-foundation-for-the-return-of-supersonic-air-travel
  63. https://boomsupersonic.com/partners
  64. https://www.aerotime.aero/articles/boom-leonardo-aernnova-aciturri-structure-suppliers
  65. https://businessnc.com/nc-trend-boom-supersonic/
  66. https://plusvibe.ai/number-of-employees/boom-supersonic
  67. https://governor.nc.gov/news/press-releases/2022/01/26/governor-cooper-announces-boom-will-manufacture-supersonic-aircraft-north-carolina-creating-more
  68. https://www.clay.com/dossier/boom-supersonic-funding
  69. https://startuptalky.com/boom-supersonic-success-story/
  70. https://boomsupersonic.com/flyby/history-takes-flight-in-mojave-xb1-boom
  71. https://boomsupersonic.com/flyby/mojave-air-space-port-the-supersonic-connection
  72. https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/06/leading-the-world-in-supersonic-flight/
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