**Four Supersonic Jets Aiming to Surpass Concorde's Speed**
The Concorde, an icon of aviation history, was a marvel of engineering that redefined air travel by cutting transatlantic flight times in half. Capable of cruising at Mach 2.04 (approximately 1,354 mph), the Concorde was the pinnacle of supersonic passenger travel until its retirement in 2003. However, the dream of supersonic flight has not been forgotten. In recent years, several aerospace companies have been working on next-generation supersonic jets that aim to not only match but surpass the Concorde's speed, efficiency, and sustainability. Here, we explore four cutting-edge supersonic jets that are poised to revolutionize air travel.
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### 1. **Boom Supersonic's Overture**
Boom Supersonic, a Denver-based aerospace company, is leading the charge in the race to bring back supersonic passenger travel. Their flagship jet, the Overture, is designed to fly at Mach 1.7 (1,304 mph), making it slightly slower than the Concorde but with a focus on efficiency and sustainability. The Overture is expected to carry 65–80 passengers and reduce transatlantic flight times from New York to London to just 3.5 hours.
What sets the Overture apart is its commitment to sustainability. The jet is being designed to run on 100% sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), significantly reducing its carbon footprint. Boom has already secured partnerships with major airlines like United Airlines and American Airlines, which have placed pre-orders for the aircraft. The Overture is expected to begin test flights in 2027, with commercial service targeted for the early 2030s.
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### 2. **Aerion Supersonic's AS3**
Aerion Supersonic, a Nevada-based company, is developing the AS3, a supersonic jet that aims to push the boundaries of speed and range. The AS3 is designed to fly at Mach 4+ (over 3,000 mph), more than twice the speed of the Concorde. This would allow passengers to travel from Los Angeles to Tokyo in under three hours, a journey that currently takes over 11 hours on conventional aircraft.
The AS3 is part of Aerion's broader vision to create a "supersonic renaissance" in aviation. The company is also focused on sustainability, with plans to power its jets using synthetic fuels and advanced propulsion systems. However, Aerion faces significant technical and regulatory challenges, and its ambitious timeline for the AS3's development remains uncertain.
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### 3. **Spike Aerospace's S-512**
Spike Aerospace, a Boston-based company, is developing the S-512, a supersonic business jet designed for the luxury market. The S-512 is expected to cruise at Mach 1.6 (1,227 mph) and carry 12–18 passengers. While its
