It's unclear to me as a casual observer what exactly they bring that's new to the industry. I think their biggest obstacle will be finding an engine efficient enough to sustain supersonic flight and that's not going to be an easy feat.

 

How much do you think “Gepetto” makes as a test pilot ?

 

not to mention reliable.

 

Seems like a poor choice of names, if they are counting on less sonic BOOM.

 

Should have gone with whoosh.....

 

Or the sound it makes when it hits the ground.

 

It's unclear to me as well. I really don't think it's anything. So far what's most impressive is they are very good at branding with this live stream publicity stunt, and obviously Mr.Scholl is particularly talented as he has been able to secure $270 Million in Capital without an aircraft that has been built, certified or even an engine manufacturer (now obviously FTT has come onboard) sounds like a con man to me.

The fanboys are entitled to thier support of Boom and Mr.Scholl.......but I say this....if it were a ULCC/LCC providing the Capital instead of United......would you still be so supportive?

I think we know the answer to that question.

 

The thing that has changed is the quiet boom research. They are banking on no or little sonic boom to change the prohibition of supersonic over land. This is why going supersonic the first time is so important. Not tht the plane can do it, but the instrumented test data about the pressure waves. They will have to do subsequent tests--wo the T-38 chase plane's boom, to start measurements.

Now, there has never been a civillian project, except the Concord, that has successfully built a supersonic commercial venture. Yes, you can even argue the Condord was a dismal failure after building only 12 planes. I doubt this venture has the financial resources to do any better. Small market, small number of potential passengers, very expensive program.

But, I hope they succeed anyway. Time to shake up Boeing and Airbus! (Not that they aren't in the midst of a cataclysmic--cool word BTW--market shift already!)

 

I would think if sonic boom prohibition changes, their chances of success go up exponentially, as many possible city pairings emerge spawning more opportunites for sales. However if mostly flying transcon lets say....they will still need to fly slow enough to comply with STARS, or at least slow enough to allow for sequencing.

My support or lack there of notwhithstanding, the current transatlantic eastbound market is atleast 80% red eyes........and it makes sense right. Leave US east coast after work/dinner....rest well in comfort and luxury on the plane and arrive in CDG, LHR, FRA in time for the working day. Airlines will tell you that individuals and businesses are willing to pay many Amelican Dollah for da Businees class. Are the gains made by time going to justify the losses in comfort????

Think about it....lets say now you leave JFK at 7 or 8 AM, and now you BOOM away to LHR is only 2:40 .....YOU STILL lost most of that working day becuause despite your increased velocity it's still 14:40 or 15:40 because the UK is still 5 hours ahead of US East Coast. Now Transatlantic Westbound......I think they have a market there, people will pay for the time gained.

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LomY6nWI0ek