[charliesome]

It's pretty disappointing to see that Boom is still using fossil fuel burning engines. Surely if you're innovating on aviation tech, Mach 2.2 flight for business people is less important than figuring out a way to fly that doesn't kill the planet.

[jandrese]

You might as well complain about how they don't power their aircraft with unicorn farts.

I have never even seen a proposal for a supersonic electric engine. The only thing that's even remotely close is a bit of dabbling in nuclear engines in the 50s and 60s that were cancelled once people noticed that the idea was insane. Also, impractical--the radiation shielding was too heavy.

[rsynnott]

There were a few test flights; it was _doable_, though probably not economic.

[elidourado]

Build us a Mach-2.2 electric engine where the aircraft design closes and we'll use it! We're an airframer, not an engine company. Would love to see some innovation in engines. Maybe a good idea for another YC startup.

[thinkling]

The point is that you're building a vehicle that (I assume) will produce far more pollution (CO2 and otherwise) per passenger mile than existing aircraft. Is that an ethical thing to do at this point in time?

[runarberg]

This is a good question to ask. The answer is obviously “no,” but it would be interesting to see an ethical argument for designing this.

[monort]

Is it ethical to raise consumption with a raise of your salary? Is it ethical to give the raise to these employees?

It looks like the answer should be the same to this and your question.

[TheOtherDave]

I'm sure they'll reconsider as soon as someone develops jet engines capable of mach 2.2 that don't burn fossil fuels. In the meantime, since speed is their goal, they don't have much choice.

[wbl]

And doesn't spew a giant plume of radioactive gas while irradiating the passengers.

[reaperducer]

That's extra on United.

[robotresearcher]

United could burn luggage for fuel. They're gonna lose it anyway.

[andygates]

If the thing needs to burn go-juice, give it green go-juice. Isn't biofuel-derived avgas a thing yet? Startup idea...

[nradov]

Others are working on that. The US military has already tested flying airplanes using sustainable biofuels. Once that fuel becomes commercially available, any airline will be able to use it in Boom aircraft (or any other airliners).

http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=96702