Inside the race to build world’s fastest jetliner dubbed ‘son of Concorde’ capable of crossing the Atlantic in 3.5 hours
PLANS to build the world’s fastest jet have taken a flying leap towards offering supersonic travel.
Those behind the Overture jetliner say it will be able to travel 1,300 miles an hour – and claim it could be ready by the end of the decade.
The Overture has been nicknamed “Son of Concorde” in honour of the Concorde plane, which used to hold the record for being the world’s fastest commercial plane before it was retired in 2003.
The eagerly-anticipated plane will feature four engines, a new fuselage, and fewer passenger seats than traditional aircraft – carrying from 65 to 80 people.
What’s more, Boom Supersonic claims Overture will be able to fly from New York to London in just 3.5 hours – faster than ever before.
Now, US aviation company Boom Supersonic have unveiled the latest updates on their super-plane, speaking at the Paris Air Show.
The firm let naysayers know the project was on the move, announcing partnerships with Florida Turbine Technologies to help develop and test the jet.
While building has also begun on a production facility in Greensboro, North Carolina, which is hoped to build up to 33 aircraft each year.
Incredibly, the revolutionary plane is even eco-conscious – set to run on Sustainable Aviation Fuel, designed to cut carbon emissions by up to 90 per cent.
Companies including United, American, and Japan Airlines have ordered a total of 130 of the super planes between them.
But the Overture is not expected to fly commercially until the end of the decade – with first flight tests planned for 2027.
But already more than 600 routes have been planned for Overture across the globe.
Announcing the developments, Boom adviser Phil Condit said: “Supersonic excitement is back.”
While Boom founder Blake Scholl told The Telegraph. “The first Overture flights are going to be special.”
He added: “But as I look down the road, the thing that excites me most is when supersonic flight becomes normal.”