Rolls-Royce pulls out of Boom’s supersonic engine programme
Rolls-Royce has backed out of the programme to develop jet engines for Boom’s supersonic aircraft, Overture. The British OEM worked with Boom on a conceptual study for the Overture programme, but said in a statement on Thursday that it would be pulling out.
“Rolls-Royce has determined that the commercial aviation supersonic market is not currently a priority for us,” said Rolls-Royce.
Boom said it has become “clear that Rolls-Royce’s proposed engine design and legacy business model is not the best option for Overture’s future airline operators or passengers”.
The supersonic aircraft developer plans to announce its selected engine partner later this year.
In June United Airlines placed the first order for Boom’s Overture, in a deal for 15 of the aircraft valued at $3bn. United also took options for 35 more. American Airlines also placed a firm order for 20 Overtures last month.
Boom’s Overture aims to carry 65 to 80 passengers at speeds of Mach 1.7, almost twice the speed of sound, over water with a range of 4,250nm (7,871 km).