In the realm of supersonic airplanes, the name that stands tallest is probably the Concorde. This once novel name became associated with speed, having broken the sound barrier to win its fame. Now, Boom Supersonic and Velo3D are looking to bring its successor to life with a little help from additive manufacturing. Both companies will be using the latest in 3D printing to create the ultra-light, resilient parts for the plane.
“High-speed air travel relies on technology that is proven to be safe, reliable, and efficient, and by partnering with VELO3D we’re aligning ourselves with a leader in additive manufacturing,” said Mike Jagemann, Head of XB-1 Production for Boom Supersonic. “VELO3D helped us understand the capabilities and limitations of metal additive manufacturing and the positive impact it would potentially have on our supersonic aircraft.”
The XB-1 & 3D Printing
The XB-1 will house some of the latest 3D printing technologies including, carbon fiber composites, a refined delta wing platform and a variable-geometry propulsion system. Both Boom Supersonic and Velo3D are introducing cutting-edge manufacturing solutions to the production. While conventional 3D printing may find it cumbersome to produce such parts, Velo’s Intelligent Fusion technology is up to the task.
Their support-free metal AM method does away with many of the hurdles of traditional AM. It also brings in benefits like simulation, prediction and closed-loop control to the mix.
Velo3D’s job wasn’t just relegated to the realm of printed parts. The company also aided in testing with a novel approach. They 3D printed so-called “mice” that that would go into the exhausts of the prototype as a means of conducting line testing for the engine during operation. These tests aided in reducing the engine’s nozzle area to simulate an engine stall and simulating inlet flow distortion.
Both companies are ambitious in their plans for the XB-1. Boom Supersonic are looking to eventually create a 55-seat airplanes that exceeds twice the speed of sound. Velo3D’s testing, prototyping and printing will be a major part of this.
Featured image courtesy of Boom Supersonic.