The fastest supersonic passenger airliner Boom XB-1, to be launched in 2017

The Concorde was officially decommissioned in 2003. If you regret the end of the supersonic era in passenger jet airliners, there is good news for you. We now have the XB-1 Supersonic Demonstrator — a subscale prototype of the Boom supersonic passenger airliner — the first independently-developed supersonic jet and the fastest civil aircraft ever made. Currently, the aircraft is under construction and the first flight of the XB-1 is planned for late 2017. As far as technology is concerned, Boom XB-1 uses advanced technologies in aerodynamics, materials, and propulsion to achieve efficient supersonic flight.

Power and propulsion
The XB-1 is powered by three General Electric J85-21 turbojet engines, fed by two variable geometry supersonic intakes. Each engine has a variable geometry nozzle system. The XB-1 uses a compact tu rbojet engine, while the production airliner uses a medium-bypass turbofan engine for additional quiet and efficiency.

Cruise control
A pilot in either seat can fly the airplane, as both the seats are equipped with centre sticks and rudder pedals.Also, the environmental control system provides a comfortable pressurised cabin.

Fuel management
Moving onto the fuel system, the XB-1 stores 7,000 lb of jet fuel in 11 separate tanks that includes fuselage and wing tanks. Jet pumps provide a reliable stream of fuel to each of three engines. Just like Concorde, an aft trim tank hold fuel during supersonic flight. The first test of this flight starts in 2017 as the XB-1 is under construction at Boom’s hangar at the Centennial Airport.