While Virgin Galactic is working towards making space tourism a reality, it is also developing innovative ways to change the future of air travel on earth. Imagine flying from London to New York in just 90 minutes! Yes, it may soon become a reality with Virgin Galactic’s new supersonic jet. By Kumar Shree
Virgin Galactic is initiating plans of developing a new supersonic jet that may reduce the travel time between London to New York to just 90 minutes. The delta-wing aircraft will feature nine to 19 seats arranged in business and first-class orientation. It will fly at a height of more than 60,000 feet; and, Rolls-Royce will develop the engine for Virgin Galactic’s new supersonic jet, which will travel at Mach 3, that is three times the speed of sound.
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As reported by Forbes, George Whitesides, Chief Space Officer of Virgin Galactic said, “We are pleased to collaborate with the innovative team at Rolls-Royce as we strive to develop sustainable, cutting-edge propulsion systems for the aircraft. We have made great progress so far, and we look forward to opening up a new frontier in high-speed travel.”
British Airways and Air France had each operated one unit of previous supersonic commercial jet called Concorde. Concorde travelled at the speed of Mach 2 and connected New York with Paris and London in just three hours. It had 100 seats, and Rolls-Royce had developed the engine for that as well.
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Virgin Galactic’s new supersonic jet had recently completed a ‘Mission Concept Review’ with representatives from NASA. As reported by Forbes, “We are excited to complete the Mission Concept Review and unveil this initial design concept of a high-speed aircraft, which we envision as blending safe and reliable commercial travel with unrivalled customer experience,” said George Whitesides.
Since the project is in its early stage, there is no projected date for completion or expected ticket prices.
Related: #SomeGoodNews: You May Be Able To Travel From Amsterdam To Paris In Less Than 90 Minutes
