Rolls Royce Withdraws from Supersonic Partnership

United Kingdom-based engine and car manufacturer Rolls Royce has pulled out of its partnership with Boom Supersonic to build engines for its aircraft - the BOOM Overture. The announcement comes as Rolls Royce (RR) deals with significant financial challenges. The company registered a loss of £111 million ($127 million) in the first half of 2022 alone.

Shifting Priorities 

A statement from the engine manufacturer earlier this week made the news of the contract termination between the two companies official and outlined that the commercial supersonic aviation industry is not currently a priority for the struggling company.

An official statement released by Boom thanked RR for their commitment to the partnership while it lasted, but that RR designs weren't optimal to be fitted onto the Overture aircraft. "We've completed our contract with Boom and delivered various engineering studies for their Overture supersonic program...the commercial aviation supersonic market is not currently a priority." 

The two companies were partnered since mid-2020.

Still Set for 2029? 

Rolls Royce's withdrawal from the Boom Overture project opens the door for its rivals to become contenders for the design and production of the new Overture aircraft engines. Without a current engine partner willing to work with Boom to design the engines of the Overture, Boom's 2029 deadline for the aircraft to take flight is looking less likely.

What are your thoughts on the Boom Overture? Do you think it will take flight within the decade? Which company do you think will design the aircraft's new engines? Let us know in the comments below!