3D printed supersonic system

GE Additive is supplying additive manufacturing (AM) consulting for Boom Supersonic, a US company that aims to develop an airliner that could carry passengers at speeds up to Mach 1.7.

Plans are for the craft to feature a supersonic propulsion system called Symphony made with 3D printed parts. It will incorporate an axisymmetric supersonic intake, a variable-geometry low-noise exhaust nozzle, and a passively cooled high-pressure turbine. Using AM could reduce weigh and reduce part count and assembly costs, according to the company.

"GE Additive will bring industry-leading capabilities to Symphony, providing additive manufacturing design consulting and technology, while looking for additional areas to potentially collaborate,” said Chris Schuppe, general manager at GE Additive.

Production is set to begin in 2024 with a potential first flight in 2027.