Boom brings Collins Aerospace onboard for supersonic nacelles

Collins Aerospace Systems (Cedar Rapids, Iowa, U.S.) a unit of Raytheon Technologies (RTX), has signed a collaboration agreement with Boom Supersonic (Denver, Colo., U.S.), to advance nacelle technology on Boom's forthcoming flagship supersonic airliner, Overture. According to Boom during rollout on Oct. 7, 2020, the composite-intensive 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 via lightweight aerostructures and variable nacelle geometry.

"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," confirms Marc Duvall, president, Aerostructures, Collins Aerospace. "Having completed 19 nacelle certification programs over the past decade, we're positioned to collaborate with Boom Supersonic to create new propulsion-system solutions that will be key enablers of Overture's success."

Boom reports that it is taking an all-encompassing approach to sustainability, from making Overture 100% carbon neutral, developing a mainstream supersonic travel that is environmentally and economically sustainable. "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,” says Blake Scholl, Boom founder and CEO.

Since the X-1 prototype was rolled out in October, Overture is in its design phase with plans to finalize the configuration. Boom will roll out the first completed Overture aircraft in 2025, with entry into service planned for 2029.