Supersonic Getaways
Travelling Commercial at Double the Speed of Sound The age of supersonic passenger travel is coming very soon, if Virgin's Sir Richard Branson has his way. He's heavily investing and banking on it. American startup Boom Technology, which Branson is bankrolling, is developing a Mach 2.2 supersonic passenger jet. That converts into approximately 1,676 mph or 27.94 miles per minute. Its Baby Boom XB1 demonstrator jet will be tested next year to validate key technologies for commercial flights. XB1 is a 2 seater. Boom already has the Baby Boom engines in the hanger and is currently building the wings and tail. The supersonic commercial jet, carrying 55 passengers, will debut in 2023. Five airlines, including Virgin, have ordered 76 jets. Boom is getting ready for takeoff. Come Fly with Me As you can see in the artist's rendering, Boom resembles the Concorde. It's an evolutionary design with a lot of extra lift. It has a range of 4500 nautical miles. At Mach