Boom Supersonic Tests Symphony Engine at Colorado Facility

Boom Supersonic Chooses Colorado for Symphony Engine Testing: A Strategic Leap in Aviation

Supersonic flight is no longer just a nostalgic nod to the Concorde era, it’s fast becoming a cornerstone of next-generation aviation. Boom Supersonic, a company at the forefront of commercial supersonic travel, has taken a significant step forward by selecting the Colorado Air and Space Port (CASP) as the testing site for its Symphony engine. This move signals not only a technical milestone but also a strategic investment in sustainable, high-speed air travel.

The Symphony engine, designed specifically for Boom’s Overture airliner, represents a new paradigm in propulsion: efficient, quiet, and compatible with sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). By repurposing a former hypersonic testing facility, Boom is accelerating development while optimizing costs, an approach that reflects both innovation and pragmatism in an industry known for high barriers to entry.

Historical and Strategic Significance of the Colorado Facility

The site Boom has chosen is steeped in aerospace history. Previously used by Reaction Engines for testing the SABRE engine precooler, the facility was instrumental in achieving Mach 3.5 test conditions and managing extreme heat through rapid air cooling. Though Reaction Engines ceased operations at the site in 2024, the infrastructure remained, offering a rare opportunity for Boom to capitalize on existing high-performance test capabilities.

By adapting this legacy infrastructure, Boom avoids the significant capital expenditure of building a new test center from scratch. According to CEO Blake Scholl, this decision results in cost savings exceeding 50% compared to leasing government facilities. It also aligns with Boom’s vertically integrated development strategy, which aims to reduce external dependencies and streamline engineering workflows.

Located just 35 miles from Boom’s Denver headquarters, the facility offers logistical advantages that enhance coordination between design, testing, and manufacturing teams. As Boom prepares to scale Symphony’s development, the proximity of this site becomes a key operational asset.

“By leveraging an existing facility, we’ve created the first privately-owned supersonic test center at a fraction of the cost of government leases.” , Blake Scholl, CEO, Boom Supersonic

Economic and Regional Impact

The decision to invest up to $5 million in the Colorado site has implications beyond aviation. Lynn Baca, Chair of the Adams County Board of Commissioners, emphasized the potential for job creation and regional economic development. The project is expected to attract skilled labor and stimulate ancillary industries such as aerospace manufacturing and data analytics.

Jeff Kloska, Director of CASP, echoed this sentiment, noting that Boom’s presence helps position the spaceport as a hub for next-generation aerospace innovation. This aligns with Colorado’s broader ambitions to become a national leader in aviation and space technologies.

From a policy perspective, the partnership between Boom and CASP also showcases how public-private collaborations can accelerate technological progress while delivering tangible economic benefits to local communities.

Technical Advancements of the Symphony Engine

The Symphony engine is a medium-bypass turbofan specifically engineered for sustained supersonic performance. At takeoff, it delivers 35,000 pounds of thrust and is optimized to cruise at Mach 1.7, enabling transatlantic flights in under four hours. This performance is achieved without afterburners, a traditional source of inefficiency and noise in supersonic engines.

Measuring 12 feet in length and 4 feet in diameter, the engine’s core includes the high-pressure compressor, combustor, and turbine. This compact yet powerful configuration is designed to withstand the thermal and mechanical stresses of supersonic flight while maintaining fuel efficiency and environmental compliance.

Symphony is also engineered for compatibility with 100% sustainable aviation fuel. This feature addresses one of the key criticisms of supersonic travel, its environmental footprint, by reducing lifecycle carbon emissions and enabling cleaner operations at high altitudes.

Collaborative Engineering and Manufacturing

Boom is not working alone. The Symphony engine is a collaborative effort involving several key industry players. Florida Turbine Technologies is spearheading aerodynamic design and compressor development, while GE Aerospace (Colibrium Additive) contributes expertise in additive manufacturing for turbine components.

Final assembly will be handled by StandardAero in San Antonio, Texas. This division of labor allows Boom to leverage specialized capabilities without compromising its vertically integrated approach. Each partner brings decades of experience to the table, ensuring that Symphony benefits from cutting-edge engineering and manufacturing practices.

By integrating these partnerships into a cohesive development strategy, Boom enhances its ability to meet aggressive timelines and regulatory requirements. The result is a propulsion system that is not only technically advanced but also scalable for commercial production.

Testing Timeline and Future Developments

The Colorado facility is undergoing a comprehensive upgrade to support Symphony’s development. Investments include SAF-compatible fuel systems, advanced data acquisition platforms, and a state-of-the-art control room. These enhancements are designed to support two key phases of testing: core evaluation in late 2025 and full-engine prototyping in 2026.

During the first phase, Boom will test the high-pressure spool under simulated supersonic conditions. This will provide critical data on thermal performance, fuel efficiency, and mechanical durability. In the second phase, the complete engine, including bypass ducts and low-pressure turbines, will be integrated and tested for thrust and acoustic performance.

These tests are essential for refining the Symphony engine before it enters production. They also provide the foundation for regulatory certification and commercial deployment, which Boom aims to achieve by the end of the decade.

“This partnership advances our goal of establishing CASP as a global hub for next-generation aviation technologies.” , Jeff Kloska, Director, Colorado Air and Space Port

XB-1 Demonstrator and Overture Orders

Complementing Symphony’s development is Boom’s XB-1 demonstrator aircraft, which successfully broke the sound barrier six times in early 2025. These flights validated key aerodynamic and control systems, including force-feedback sidesticks and touchscreen cockpit interfaces.

The data from XB-1 is directly informing the design of the Overture airliner, which will carry 64–80 passengers and is slated for commercial service by 2029. With 130 orders from major carriers like United Airlines, American Airlines, and Japan Airlines, the commercial appetite for supersonic travel is clear.

These pre-orders represent approximately five years of production at Boom’s Overture Superfactory in Greensboro, North Carolina, further underscoring the market viability of the Symphony-powered aircraft.

Conclusion

Boom Supersonic’s decision to establish its Symphony engine test facility in Colorado is a calculated and forward-thinking move. It leverages existing infrastructure, fosters regional economic growth, and accelerates the development of a propulsion system poised to redefine commercial aviation. The Symphony engine, with its emphasis on speed, sustainability, and system integration, represents a new chapter in aerospace innovation.

Looking ahead, the success of this initiative will depend on rigorous testing, regulatory approvals, and continued advancements in sustainable aviation fuel. If Boom can meet these challenges, it may well usher in a new era of fast, efficient, and environmentally responsible air travel, bringing supersonic flight back to the commercial mainstream.

FAQ

What is the Symphony engine?
Symphony is a medium-bypass turbofan engine designed by Boom Supersonic for its Overture airliner. It is optimized for sustained supersonic flight and compatible with 100% sustainable aviation fuel.

Why did Boom choose the Colorado Air and Space Port?
Boom selected the site for its existing hypersonic testing infrastructure, cost efficiency, and proximity to the company’s headquarters in Denver.

When will Symphony engine testing begin?
Core testing is scheduled to begin in late 2025, with full-engine prototyping planned for 2026.

What airlines have ordered the Overture aircraft?
United Airlines, American Airlines, and Japan Airlines have placed a combined 130 orders and pre-orders for the Overture.

Sources: Aerospace Testing International, Boom Supersonic, Airframer, Aviation Pros, Travel Industry Wire