Boom reveals supersonic propulsion system Symphony

Boom Supersonic has revealed Symphony, the tailor-made propulsion system designed for its Overture aircraft. 

The firm also announced that it will be partnering with Florida Turbine Technologies (FTT) for engine design, GE Additive for additive technology design consulting and StandardAero for Symphony’s maintenance. With design already underway, the engine is on track to achieve type certification in 2029. Production is set to commence in 2024 at Overture’s Superfactory in Greensboro, NC, with rollout in 2026 and first flight in 2027.

The design will operate at net zero carbon and meet Chapter 14 noise levels. Boom said when compared to other approaches, Symphony is expected to deliver a 25% increase in time on wing and lower engine maintenance costs, reducing overall operating costs for airline customers by 10%.

Blake Scholl, Founder and CEO of Boom Supersonic said: “Developing a supersonic engine specifically for Overture offers by far the best value proposition for our customers. Through the Symphony program, we can provide our customers with an economically and environmentally sustainable supersonic airplane—a combination unattainable with the current constraints of derivative engines and industry norms.”

“United and Boom share a passion for making the world dramatically more accessible through sustainable supersonic travel,” said Mike Leskinen, President, United Airlines Ventures. “The team at Boom understands what we need to create a compelling experience for our passengers, and we are looking forward to a United supersonic fleet powered by Symphony.”

Boom has selected Florida Turbine Technologies, a subsidiary of Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc., as its engine design team. FTT’s staff include key engineers among the team responsible for the design of the F-119 and F-135 supersonic engines that power the F-22 and F-35.

GE Additive will also collaborate on the Symphony programme. Chris Schuppe, general manager Engineering and Technology at GE Additive said: “GE Additive will bring industry-leading capabilities to Symphony, providing additive manufacturing design consulting and technology, while looking for additional areas to potentially collaborate.”  

Russell Ford, chairman and CEO of StandardAero, added: “We are excited to team with Boom as its strategic engine MRO partner and for the opportunity to contribute to the company’s bright future, ensuring its aircraft will receive the industry’s finest engine MRO services. Our current qualifications, capabilities and experience assembling and servicing supersonic military jet engines makes us the intelligent solution for future commercial, supersonic engine MRO applications.” 

Symphony will be a medium-bypass turbofan engine with the same basic engine architecture that currently powers all modern commercial aircraft. Unlike subsonic turbofans, this new propulsion system will include a Boom-designed axisymmetric supersonic intake, a variable-geometry low-noise exhaust nozzle, and a passively cooled high-pressure turbine.

Boom Symphony – at a glance

• Architecture: twin-spool, medium-bypass turbofan engine, no afterburner
• Thrust: 35,000lbs at takeoff
• Fuel: optimised for 100% Sustainable Aviation Fuel
• Single-stage fan designed for quiet operation
• Passively cooled high-pressure turbine
• Additive manufacturing for low weight, low part count, and reduced assembly costs
• Certification: compliant with FAA and EASA Part 33 requirements