Boom Supersonic has chosen Velo3D for the production of XB-1, Boom’s Mach-2.2 supersonic demonstrator aircraft. Acknowledged for its Intelligent Fusion Technology, the metal 3D Printing specialist will produce the flight hardware of the aircraft.
Boom Supersonic explained that the supersonic demonstrator device integrates a variable-geometry propulsion system and over 3,700 parts produced by advanced technologies including advanced carbon fiber composites. Indeed, in a recent article, the company announced that they will also leverage Stratasys FDM technology to produce hundred of parts.
Still wonder why the aircraft specialist harnesses VELO3D technology?
It is no secret that metal AM helps aircraft manufacturers to meet functional, performance, and precision requirements. In this specific case, one challenge Boom Supersonic encountered with other technologies was their limited capabilities in terms of design, which resulted in poor quality and inconsistent idea-to-build success.
With VELO3D’s technology, the company can ensure the desired level of control, design freedom, and quality assurance required in this production.
“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 that will print the flight hardware for XB-1,” said 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. We look forward to sharing details about the aircraft development and improved system performance once XB-1 takes flight.”
Moreover, according to the company, first testing demonstrated successful results and VELO3D is currently producing two titanium flight hardware parts for XB-1 whose installation on the aircraft is expected for early 2020.
Installed as part of the ECS system, these 3D-printed parts will ensure the aircraft can achieve safe flight at all conditions.
“Boom is reimagining the entire commercial aircraft experience, from the design, build, and materials used,” said 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 post-processing, 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.”
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