Boom boom! Has the time come?
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Boom boom! Has the time come?
HAS THE TIME COME FOR A RETURN TO SUPERSONIC TRAVEL?
A long read, but well worth it, from someone who really knows his stuff. An opinion, stuffed with facts and data that make it hard to refute.
https://www.gridpoint.consulting/blo...ersonic-travel
A long read, but well worth it, from someone who really knows his stuff. An opinion, stuffed with facts and data that make it hard to refute.
https://www.gridpoint.consulting/blo...ersonic-travel
Countries will not allow sonic booms over their land masses (except by their militaries in exceptional circumstances). They still haven't actually overcome the boom problem. Due this there are a handful of routes that can sustain a supersonic airliner profitably for a small number of airlines, there are not enough to pay the bills for a manufacturer. Either Boom will go bust before delivering an airframe, or they'll lose the farm after delivering a handful of frames.
It was an interesting article, but my take away is that because of aircraft utilization rates (less than six hours/day) and possible routes (New York - London seems to be about it) this will not be a success. The article also points out that the projected 85 passenger load doesn't seem physically possible and the minimum 66 is a stretch.
Supersonic commercial jets will be like the 3 engined airliners of the past. They seem like a good idea at the time but the economics of the operation will ultimately be it downfall. When the next world economic crisis hits they will be the first up against the fence IMHO.