Rolls-Royce is pulling out of Boom’s supersonic jet project, two years after signing a collaboration agreement.
“We’ve completed our contract with Boom and delivered various engineering studies for their Overture supersonic program,” Rolls-Royce said in a statement to AeroTime.
“After careful consideration, Rolls-Royce has determined that the commercial aviation supersonic market is not currently a priority for us and, therefore, will not pursue further work on the program at this time.”
As part of the collaboration agreement, both companies have worked together to identify a propulsion system that would complement Overture’s airframe.
“We are appreciative of Rolls-Royce’s work over the last few years, but it became clear that Rolls’ proposed engine design and legacy business model is not the best option for Overture’s future airline operators or passengers. Later this year, we will announce our selected engine partner and our transformational approach for reliable, cost-effective and sustainable supersonic flight,” Boom outlined in a statement.
In July 2022 during the Farnborough Airshow, founder and CEO Blake Scholl said during a media briefing that the company had “made a lot more progress in propulsion than we’re sharing today”.
AeroTime has asked Boom and Rolls-Royce for comment.
This news comes more than three weeks after American Airlines (A1G) (AAL) signed a purchase contract for up to 20 Boom Supersonic Overture aircraft with an option for an additional 40 jets.
“Looking to the future, supersonic travel will be an important part of our ability to deliver for our customers. We are excited about how Boom will shape the future of travel both for our company and our customers,” American Airlines (A1G) (AAL) chief financial officer Derek Kerr said.
Overture – the world’s fastest commercial airliner
Scheduled to enter commercial service in 2029, Boom’s Overture will become the world’s fastest commercial airliner.
The Boom Overture will be able to reach a speed of Mach 1.7 (about 2,100 kilometers per hour) and carry between 65 and 88 passengers. That speed would allow going from New York to London in three hours and 30 minutes, as opposed to six hours and 30 minutes with current commercial aircraft.
With a maximum range of 4,250 nautical miles, the aircraft is also expected to operate on 100% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF).
Boom’s aspirations in the military market
In July 2022 during the Farnborough Airshow, the manufacturer revealed plans to target military customers with a new partnership with Northrop Grumman.
The company’s CEO Scholl said that Boom wanted to enter “the other half of the market”.
Under the partnership with Northrop, Boom will develop special mission variants for the US government and its allies.
Boom said potential use cases include quick-reaction surveillance and reconnaissance, command and control, as well as mobility and logistics missions such as emergency medical and troop transport.