The United States is one step closer to supersonic flight. A new bipartisan bill, introduced on Wednesday, aims to lift the 52-year-old ban on supersonic travel over U.S. soil. Known as the Supersonic Aviation Modernization Act, this historic legislation was spearheaded by Senator Ted Budd (R-NC), Aviation Subcommittee Chair Troy Nehls (R-TX), and Representative Sharice Davids (D-KS). The bill would allow supersonic flights to operate, provided that no audible sonic boom reaches the ground—an important condition for environmental and noise concerns.
This legislation, often referred to as the “Boom” bill, comes at a time when Colorado-based Boom Supersonic is making major strides in developing next-generation supersonic aircraft. The company’s XB-1 demonstrator aircraft made history in January when it became the first privately developed civil aircraft to break the sound barrier over the continental U.S. This achievement is just one example of the growing potential for supersonic air travel. With the new bill, the U.S. could soon see a resurgence of supersonic flights, potentially changing the way we think about air travel.
There’s strong local interest in this bill. North Carolina has a vested interest in its passage, as Boom Supersonic recently completed a supersonic aircraft factory in Greensboro, North Carolina, after receiving over $100 million in state incentives. In return, Boom has committed to creating more than 1,700 jobs by 2030, significantly impacting the local economy. Texas also has a stake in the bill's success. Boom is working with StandardAero in San Antonio to develop the engine for its Overture supersonic airliner, further emphasizing the states’ roles in shaping the future of aviation.
The push for supersonic flight is more than just about speed; it’s about innovation, economic growth, and the future of air travel. With advancements in technology, such as the development of quieter supersonic engines and the introduction of environmentally conscious regulations, the dream of traveling faster than the speed of sound could soon become a reality for commercial aviation. If passed, the Supersonic Aviation Modernization Act will usher in a new era for the aviation industry, making faster, more efficient air travel a reality for future generations.
This legislation is just the beginning of what could be a revolutionary shift in how we travel. As advancements in supersonic technology continue, the future of air travel looks faster, more efficient, and more accessible than ever before.
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