Keep pulling the thread on Blake Scholl.
Blake Scholl believes the Concorde program killed supersonic flight and the Apollo program killed space exploration because both were government-led projects that ignored economics, setting a precedent that these endeavors were not commercially viable.
Boeing has not launched an all-new airplane design in over 20 years.
In 1973, the U.S. government banned supersonic flight over the continental United States, a move Blake Scholl claims was intended to protect Boeing from competition from the European Concorde.
In international air travel, business class seats represent 20% of total seats but generate 80% of airline profits.
Boeing and Airbus are unwilling to develop an all-business-class supersonic jet because it would cannibalize their highly profitable existing wide-body aircraft like the 787 and A350.
Boom Supersonic's XB-1 prototype, the first civil supersonic jet developed since 1969, successfully broke the sound barrier in early 2024.
Boom Supersonic plans to begin building its first full-scale Overture airplane in 2025, with a goal for first flight by the end of 2028 and passenger service by the end of 2029.
United Airlines placed a firm order for 15 Overture jets with an option for an additional 35, and was the first airline to provide a non-refundable deposit.
Boom Supersonic's custom-designed Symphony engine will enable it to break the sound barrier above 30,000 feet, which is critical for achieving supersonic flight over land without an audible sonic boom.
In a potential war with China, the U.S. would deplete its stockpile of cruise missiles in eight days and require two years to produce replacements.
China is currently producing a clone of the Boeing 737, developing a clone of the Boeing 787, and has announced plans for a supersonic passenger plane.
Commercial airliners have not increased their cruising speed in 50 years, remaining at 75% to 85% of the speed of sound, or approximately 600 miles per hour.