Collins Aerospace Systems, a unit of Raytheon Technologies (RTX), has signed a collaboration agreement with Boom Supersonic, the aerospace company building the world’s fastest airliner, to advance nacelle technology on Boom’s forthcoming flagship supersonic airliner, Overture. Overture will be the world’s fastest airliner and is designed and committed to industry-leading standards of speed, safety, and sustainability.
Collins Aerospace engineers will work in concert with Boom to develop inlet, nacelle and exhaust system technologies that enable fuel-burn reduction and cutting-edge acoustics for cleaner and quieter supersonic flight. They will do this via lightweight aerostructures and variable nacelle geometry. Collins Aerospace has been providing innovative nacelle technology for more than 70 years, including development of the first commercial variable fan nozzle for high-bypass-ratio geared turbofan (GTF) engines.
“Through improved acoustics and lightweight materials systems, we can provide the next generation of supersonic propulsion systems with the nacelle technologies that not only enable higher performance and lower fuel burn, but also quieter operation,” said Marc Duvall, president, Aerostructures, Collins Aerospace. “Having completed 19 nacelle certification programs over the past decade, we’re uniquely positioned to collaborate with Boom Supersonic to create new propulsion-system solutions that will be key enablers of Overture’s success.”
The combined engineering team will be exploring the development of advanced acoustics and variable inlet and exhaust technologies required to minimize aircraft noise for passengers and airport communities while enhancing performance.
“Boom is taking an all-encompassing approach to sustainability — from our commitment to make Overture 100% carbon neutral to minimizing community noise and emissions, we’re dedicated to making mainstream supersonic travel environmentally and economically sustainable,” said Blake Scholl, Boom founder and CEO. “We are leveraging Collins’ experience in developing more fuel efficient and noise attenuating technologies for nacelles to help us develop Overture as an environmentally responsible supersonic jet.”
