Boom Supersonic has publicly unveiled its XB-1 demonstrator, which will be used to develop a future supersonic passenger aircraft called Overture. Denver-based Boom revealed the XB-1 on 7 October at a virtual rollout event, when executives spelled out production plans and highlighted the jet's design features. "At supersonic speeds, cities rarely visited can become major destinations," Boom founder and chief executive Blake Scholl says. "We've begun to pave the path to a mainstream supersonic future." The Overture will carry 55-75 passengers in an all-business-class cabin, reach Mach 2.2, and have ocean-crossing range, Boom says. But first up is the XB-1, effectively a one-third-scale demonstrator of the Overture, which is powered by three afterburner-equipped 12,0001b (53.4kN)-thrust GE Aviation J85-15 turbojets. The power-plants are part of an engine family that entered service in 1959 and are used on the US Air Force's Northrop T-38 Talon trainers.
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