Virgin Galactic reveals new supersonic jet design that would fly three times speed of sound

CNN — Virgin Galactic is still aiming to send tourists to space, but the space tourism company is also looking at how to whiz people across our planet as quickly as possible. Virgin Galactic has premiered a new jet design for high speed air travel: a streamlined, Concorde-esque delta-wing aircraft with capacity for nine to 19 people cruising at an altitude of over 60,000 feet. Virgin Galactic has also announced a partnership with Rolls-Royce to design and develop engine propulsion technology for futuristic high speed commercial aircraft like this one. Virgin Galactic also announced this supersonic jet concept recently passed a mission concept review, which confirmed that the concept “can meet the high-level requirements and objectives of the mission.” “We are excited to complete the Mission Concept Review and unveil this initial design concept of a high speed aircraft, which we envision as blending safe and reliable commercial travel with an unrivaled customer experience,” said George Whitesides, Virgin Galactic’s chief space officer. Courtesy Virgin Galactic Virgin Galactic envisages the jet ferrying passengers on long-distance commercial air routes – and the idea is its interior could accommodate custom cabin layouts, including business or first class seating.