Could a supersonic aircraft for high-stakes crisis response missions be on the horizon?
By Warren Comer
In a crisis, time is everything. When it comes to an international conflict, a delay in response can lead to catastrophe. Supersonic aircraft exist, but they’re often smaller and lack the systems necessary to bring the right people to the right place at the right time.
Northrop Grumman is collaborating with aircraft maker Boom Supersonic to find a way to bring aid, supplies or people to far-flung areas faster than ever before, incorporating military systems integration into the world-class Overture supersonic aircraft. This would provide the U.S. government and its allies an aircraft capable of traveling around the world and providing aid and expertise where it’s needed, when it’s needed.
Fitted with specialized capabilities, the aircraft could be used to deliver medical supplies, provide for emergency medical evacuation or surveil vast areas faster than conventional aircraft. The special mission version of Overture could also be used to coordinate other aircraft and ground assets in a variety of scenarios, from natural disasters to military operations.
“Pairing Northrop Grumman’s airborne defense systems integration expertise with Boom’s advanced Overture supersonic aircraft demonstrates the power of collaborations like this for the benefit of our customers,” said Tom Jones, president of Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems. “Together we can ensure our military customers are better equipped for missions where advanced system capabilities and speed are critical.”
Northrop Grumman has deep experience in defining new possibilities for commercial aircraft by converting them to military use, including adapting them for powerful surveillance capabilities. Not only does this save time, it also saves customers money.
According to Boom, the Overture commercial aircraft will reach supersonic speeds making it capable of flying from Seattle to Tokyo in just four hours and 30 minutes, or Paris to Montreal in three hours and 45 minutes, and Los Angeles to Sydney in eight hours and 30 minutes. This is an immense amount of time saved to allow decision makers more options to get support, supplies and people to any point on the planet.
“Time is a strategic advantage in high consequence scenarios, from military operations to disaster response,” said Blake Scholl, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Boom Supersonic. “This collaboration between Boom and Northrop Grumman unlocks Overture’s unmatched high-speed transport capability for the United States and its allies.”
Boom is planning to begin production of the commercial aircraft in 2024. The collaboration with Northrop Grumman is a great opportunity for both companies to bring their innovative capabilities to bear to solve some of the world’s most critical challenges.