Up to Speed: October
Building Supersonic: Symphony Takes Shape
Symphony—the engine that will power supersonic—is hitting full strides after a month of meeting several major milestones. Each step brings us closer to the moment Symphony roars to life.
Here’s what you missed:
- Moving to manufacturing: 95% of the first engine’s parts have been released from engineering to manufacturing—from precision-machined turbine components to the core split case—built for exact alignment.
- Testing combustion: Combustor nozzle rig tests are underway and data is flowing in the Combustion Laboratory at Georgia Tech, where the Symphony team is testing combustion systems and validating control systems.
- Hitting ignition milestones: The team proved robust ignition in multiple zones of Symphony’s fuel nozzle—one of the hardest tests, performed at ambient temperature and pressure across a range of flow rates. It’s a key step on the path to full engine light-off.
- Accelerating progress via vertical integration: You know we’re building our own engine, but did you know we’re also making our own engine parts? This month, we created our first vertically-integrated engine part: a tie bolt for the high-pressure core machined of inconel 718, an ultra-hard nickel alloy. We also added two more machines to our Symphony R&D Superfactory: a dual-spindle machine for precision airfoils and a massive mill turn for large cylindrical parts.
Stay close to the action! Follow Boom CEO Blake Scholl on X for real-time Symphony milestones, and keep up with Boom across social channels: X, LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.
Join Us—And Build Supersonic
We’re building the future of flight—and we’re looking for people who move fast, think big, and break barriers. From machinists to engineers and more, Boom is hiring across multiple teams. It’s not for the faint of heart, but if you want to be part of the movement that builds—and brings back—supersonic, now’s your chance.
Just Landed: New Boom Merch
The wait is over: we’ve relaunched our store and new merch is here. From the historic XB-1 collection to new t-shirts, hats, patches, keychains, and models, there’s something for every supersonic fan in your life. Grab your faves before they’re gone.
Concorde’s Captain On The Future Of Supersonic
Legendary Concorde pilot Mike Bannister breaks down how XB-1 and Overture stack up against the world’s first supersonic airliner. From next-gen composites to sustainable fuels and boomless cruise, Bannister explains why Overture isn’t just following Concorde’s legacy, but taking it further—and what he’s excited about most in the supersonic future.
Boom Turns 11
Last month, we celebrated 11 years of breaking barriers—#BoomTurns11—and Boom fans globally showed up in force. More than a thousand people joined our birthday trivia challenge—from Brazil to Luxembourg, India to South Korea—putting their Boom knowledge and supersonic wisdom to the test.
Thanks to all those who participated, and congrats to the 160+ winners who took home Boom merch (and serious bragging rights). We appreciate everyone who joined the celebration and helped mark another year closer to bringing supersonic travel back.
Fly XB-1 In Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024
In case you missed it: XB-1 is officially joining Microsoft Flight Simulator—releasing December 8. Soon, you’ll be able to take the world’s first independently developed supersonic jet for a spin, break the sound barrier, and see what flying faster really feels like.
Earlier this month, Microsoft Flight Simulator featured XB-1 in its monthly developer livestream, sharing a behind-the-scenes look at how XB-1 came to life inside MSFS, and what it takes to bring supersonic speed to screens around the world.
Featured News
This Week in Startups: Breaking the Sound Barrier with Blake Scholl from Boom Supersonic
Aviation International News (AIN): Boom Supersonic Makes NBAA-BACE Debut
Two Bit da Vinci: Supersonic Is Back—Inside the Engine
Betting On America: Reviving U.S. Commercial Supersonic Flight featuring Blake Scholl
