Virgin Galactic plots foray into supersonic passenger market

Virgin Galactic (OBT, Las Cruces) has announced its plan to enter the supersonic passenger jet market, having signed a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Rolls-Royce to develop an aircraft which seats up to 19 passengers and which can cruise at Mach 3. The private space travel company said it completed the mission concept review and obtained authorisation from the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to outline its certification framework. It did not reveal any projected timeline for the aircraft’s type certification and entry into service. The Richard Branson-founded company underlined that it hopes to benefit from Rolls-Royce’s experience as the engine manufacturer for the only certified Western-built supersonic passenger aircraft, the Concorde. “The Mission Concept Review, which included representatives from NASA, is an important program milestone at which the Virgin Galactic high speed team confirmed that, based on the research and analysis work completed, its design concept can meet the high-level requirements and objectives of the mission,” Virgin Galactic said. The company said that the aircraft will have configurable interiors and will be a trail blaizer in regards to the use of sustainable aviation fuels. In 2016, Virgin Group confirmed it had ten options for rival supersonic jet Boom Technology Overture, with Virgin Galactic poised to aid in the development of the aircraft. The Overture, however, will be a much larger aircraft capable of seating up to 55 passengers.