Jump directly to the content

A FUTURISTIC "mini-Concorde" capable of flying from London to New York in less than four hours could herald a glorious return to supersonic travel.

New engines have just been delivered for the the "Baby Boom", otherwise known as the XB-1 test plane, which can reach speeds of a dizzying 1,687mph.

This futuristic two-seater known as the 'Baby Boom' - or the XB1 - is capable of flying twice the speed of sound
7
This futuristic two-seater known as the 'Baby Boom' - or the XB1 - is capable of flying twice the speed of soundCredit: Boom

Its creators say the jet be used to collect data to refine the safety and aerodynamics for their commercial project, the 55-seat aircraft known simply as the "Boom".

Boom Supersonic claims the XB-1 is the fastest civil jet in history, and will give them invaluable information about "the forces, temperatures, and aerodynamics at these speeds".

Unlike most planes which are built largely from aluminium, the XB-1 is manufactured using ultra-durable carbon composites.

This is an extremely strong reinforced plastic used in aerospace, civil engineering and even high-performance sports gear: Essentially anywhere high strength to weight ratio is a must.

The XB-1 is capable of flying from London to New York in less than four hours
7
 The XB-1 is capable of flying from London to New York in less than four hoursCredit: Boom

The jet will be powered by three General Electric J85 engines, the smallest version of which weighs around 140kg.

These single-shaft turbo-jet engines can produce 5,000 pound-force of thrust. The Pratt & Whitney JT8D engine used on Boeing 737s - seating around 100, can reach 17,400 pound-force.

The prototype, which is 68ft long with a wingspan of 17ft, will be capable of travelling at more than twice the speed of sound.

The XB-1 is currently being built in Denver, Colorado, ahead of its test flight at the Mojave Air & Space Port in Southern California.

The creators of the XB-1 are using it as a guinepig to test the stresses of those incredible speed for their commercial project, a 55-seat airliner, pictured
7
The creators of the XB-1 are using it as a guinepig to test the stresses of those incredible speed for their commercial project, a 55-seat airliner, picturedCredit: Boom
This airliner could start ferrying passengers across the Atlantic as early as the 2020s
7
This airliner could start ferrying passengers across the Atlantic as early as the 2020sCredit: Boom
The XB-1 meanwhile is being built in Denver and will be tested in southern California
7
The XB-1 meanwhile is being built in Denver and will be tested in southern CaliforniaCredit: Boom

The larger Boom airliner - backed by a host of wealthy tech bosses, astronauts and engineers - is tipped to be faster and more efficient than Concorde.

The passenger jet could get you from Tokyo to San Francisco in five hours but seats will cost the same as a business class ticket on most airlines.

Budget tickets could be on the cards as well, according to Boom Supersonic boss Blake Scholl.

This is a computer generated image of what the interior of the finished 55-seat airliner could look like
7
This is a computer generated image of what the interior of the finished 55-seat airliner could look like
The larger Boom airliner, which will fly at 60,000ft, is tipped to be faster and more efficient than Concorde
7
The larger Boom airliner, which will fly at 60,000ft, is tipped to be faster and more efficient than ConcordeCredit: Boom

Get the latest travel deals and news here

Fitness travel is key holiday trend in 2025 as top wellness breaks revealed
TAKE A BREAK

Fitness travel is key holiday trend in 2025 as top wellness breaks revealed

Fog horn station transformed into cottage with wood burner & four baths
SOUND INVESTMENT

Fog horn station transformed into cottage with wood burner & four baths

Four cruises for whole family from Greek isle sailings to bucket-list trips
SMOOTH SAILING

Four cruises for whole family from Greek isle sailings to bucket-list trips

Five winter sun hotspots you can visit in the February half term from £239 each
WARM UP

Five winter sun hotspots you can visit in the February half term from £239 each

Scholl said the jet, which will cost more than £160million to build, could start ferrying passengers by the early 2020s.

Speaking after funding was secured last year, he said: "Now we have all the pieces we need – technology, suppliers and capital – to go out and make some history and set some speed records."

The airliner will fly higher than other aircraft at around 60,000ft and passengers won't even notice as it shatters the sound barrier.

YOU MIGHT LIKE
RECOMMENDED FOR YOU
MORE FOR YOU