Virgin Galactic, a space tourism offshoot of the business empire founded by British billionaire Richard Branson, unveiled designs for what could become the first commercial supersonic passenger jet in nearly two decades.
The company released first-stage designs of the proposed aircraft, which would accommodate as many as 19 passengers and fly at an altitude above 60,000 feet.
Virgin also announced a memorandum of understanding with British engine maker Rolls-Royce, which calls for “sustainable, cutting-edge propulsion systems” for the aircraft, which is designed to reach a top flight speed of Mach 3.
No supersonic airliner has been in service anywhere in the world since the British-French Concorde was retired in 2003. Its engines were designed by Rolls-Royce.
Virgin Galactic said the milestones follow the completion of a “Mission Concept Review” in coordination with NASA and the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration, which ensured that the plane’s design concept can meet requirements and objectives of the mission.
“We envision [this] as blending safe and reliable commercial travel with an unrivaled customer experience,” said Virgin Galactic Chief Space Officer George Whitesides.
