Supersonic passenger jet edges closer to reality

Honeywell International has agreed to supply avionics for a proposed supersonic jetliner—intended to carry only premium passengers—that could slash transcontinental travel times in half. The concept of a three-engine aircraft featuring fewer than four dozen seats, previously announced by closely held startup Boom Technology Inc., also is expected to take another step forward Tuesday with the unveiling of a one-third scale flying prototype. The demonstrator vehicle, called Baby Boom, is slated to take to the air in 2017. If development goes as planned, the full-size version, including cockpit systems from Honeywell and engines manufactured by General Electric Co., could start carrying passengers early in the next decade. With its needlelike nose, sweptback wings and tapered carbon-fiber body, the XB-1 demonstrator resembles the contours of an experimental jet fighter. It has room for a single pilot, plus an optional flight-test engineer. A cabin mock-up of the ultimate aircraft, also shown for the first time Tuesday, features large oval windows, almost like portholes, and a single row of seats on each side of the fuselage. The project, which could cost more than US$1b, has initial support from several venture funds and is taking an unusual approach by adopting various technologies already certified by regulators. Still, future funding remains uncertain, daunting regulatory hurdles remain and the tight test schedule, aiming to certify a jetliner able to cruise 10% faster than the now-mothballed Concorde, could stretch due to unexpected challenges.<br/>