The big engine builders show little interest in a return to civil supersonic flight. The head of CFM International explains why.
Olympus 593 – that was the name of the engines that once powered the Concorde. They were manufactured by Rolls-Royce and Snecma, which is now called Safran. The engine manufacturers, on the other hand, do not seem to be enthusiastic about the start of a new generation of supersonic aircraft, which Boom Supersonic wants to introduce above all with their Jet Overture.
Boom and Rolls-Royce agreed in the summer of 2020 to jointly develop a drive system for Overture. But when the start-up presented a revised one at the Farnborough Airshow in July 2022 Overture design with four engines instead of the previous threeRolls-Royce was no longer mentioned much.
“Not a priority for us at the moment”
In September, the engine builder officially announced the end of the collaboration. “After careful consideration, Rolls-Royce has concluded that the market for supersonic engines in commercial aviation is not a priority for us at this time and we will therefore not pursue work on this program any further.” Boom said it will unveil a new engine partner later this year.
In mid-September, GE Aviation, Honeywell and Safran also told the magazine Flight Global, you have no interest in developing a supersonic engine for civil aviation. In mid-October, CFM International, the joint venture between GE Aviation and Safran, declined again.
Market not important enough
One concentrates completely on the development of one new engine for conventional short- and medium-haul jets that consumes 20 percent less fuelsaid CFM boss Gael Meheust loudly Flight Global. “It’s a huge investment. We are fully committed to doing it in full force and it doesn’t open up the possibility of doing anything else for a potential niche market,” Meheust explained.
«Is there a market for supersonic aircraft? Maybe », says the CFM boss. “But I don’t see this market being significant enough to divert investment into a supersonic engine.” The only other major engine builder, Pratt & Whitney, has yet to comment on Overture. On the general question of civil supersonic flights, the group explained that its focus was on conventional engines and increases in efficiency.
Plans also in Russia
Boom is faced with a problem. So have other companies in the US and Europe interested in a return of supersonic civil aviation, with Aerion has already discontinued the second major project became. It could possibly be otherwise look in Russia, where the state is showing interest in developing a heir to the Tupolev Tu-144.
There is definitely interest in Overture from airlines. Japan Airlines wants 20 copies, Virgin Galactic ten. American Airlines has ordered 20 of Boom’s supersonic jets and secured an additional 40 options. United Airlines chose 15 orders and 35 options. “I’m already getting a lot of inquiries from customers who want to be on the maiden flight,” so United-Chef Scott Kirby. American Airlines referred to the speed advantage that they want to offer travelers.