Velo3D, Boom Supersonic Partner to 3D Print Metal Supersonic Jet Parts

Velo3D has partnered with Boom Supersonic, the company building what is said to be the fastest supersonic airliner, to manufacture the flight hardware necessary to build XB-1, Boom’s Mach-2.2 supersonic demonstrator aircraft. Boom is leveraging Velo3D’s Intelligent Fusion technology, which enables significant process control that helps make impossible designs a reality.

According to the company, XB-1 is the first independently-developed supersonic jet that will prove the key technologies in-flight for safe, efficient travel at Mach 2.2 (1,687 m/hr.). XB-1 combines over 3,700 parts as well as advanced technologies including advanced carbon fiber composites, a refined delta wing planform and an efficient variable-geometry propulsion system.

XB-1 has demanding functional, performance and precision requirements. Velo3D’s Intelligent Fusion technology provides control, design freedom and quality assurance that in challenging design environments such as supersonic aircraft performance. With Velo3D, Boom says its company aims to use metal additive manufacturing to accelerate aircraft development and improve system performance.

“High-speed air travel relies on technology that is proven to be safe, reliable and efficient.” says Mike Jagemann, head of XB-1 production, 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.”

Boom and Velo3D have already conducted validation trials to desired results. Now, Velo3D is developing two titanium flight hardware parts for XB-1, which will be installed on the prototype aircraft in early 2020. These 3D-printed parts are installed as part of the ECS system and ensure the aircraft can achieve safe flight at all conditions.

“Boom is re-imagining the entire commercial aircraft experience, from the design, build and materials used,” says Benny Buller, CEO of Velo3D. “Our technology is designed to help innovators like Boom rethink what’s possible, empower advanced designs with little or no postprocessing, and enable an entirely new approach to production. Boom needed more than just prototypes and we’re thrilled to help them create the first 3D-printed metal parts for an aircraft that will move faster than the speed of sound.”