Re:Boom has orders for 76 of its future supersonic passenger...
by alkonaut on Monday October 23, 2017 @02:55AM
(#15531219)
The engine development from 80's/90's (e.g. F404) to the modern variants (F414) basically allows 20% more thrust at the same size/weight of engine. Supercruise isn't that exotic now in the military realm. Quite a few modern fighters have supercruise now that the most modern engines support it.
Of course, supercruising in a fantastically expensive small fighter is not the same as supercruising in an airliner. And a military fighter being sold as "cheap to operate" such as the Gripen E is not the same thing as being able to sell seats in it at commercial prices. 75% less sounds like a LOT, but I'm not sure how much of the Concordes prices consisted of fuel, and how much consisted of other things (expensive development, expensive maintenance?)
Of course, supercruising in a fantastically expensive small fighter is not the same as supercruising in an airliner. And a military fighter being sold as "cheap to operate" such as the Gripen E is not the same thing as being able to sell seats in it at commercial prices. 75% less sounds like a LOT, but I'm not sure how much of the Concordes prices consisted of fuel, and how much consisted of other things (expensive development, expensive maintenance?)