China’s state-owned Commercial Aircraft Corporation (COMAC) is reportedly developing an advanced supersonic airliner, called the C949, that its creators claim would outperform the legendary Concorde, according to Blueprints published in a recent academic paper by the South China Morning Post. The C949 aims to reach Mach 1.6, which is faster than the Concorde, and also boast a range 50% greater than its predecessor.

The proposed design addresses noise issues, aiming for an aircraft as quiet as a hair dryer, which could be crucial for navigating the current regulatory obstacles that prevent supersonic overland flights. This is achieved through a uniquely curved body that is meant to minimize shockwaves and the consequential sonic booms.

COMAC’s aspirations come as other projects are also working towards bringing supersonic travel back to civilization. The Concorde, which operated from 1969 until its retirement in 2003, had a top speed of Mach 2.04 and could cut travel time between London and New York by more than half. However, since its retirement, there has been no commercial supersonic flight service, Nonetheless, supersonic travel technology continues to advance with projects like NASA’s X-59 and Boom Supersonic’s Overture.

NASA’s X-59, developed in collaboration with Lockheed Martin, will cruise at Mach 1.4 while making a noise level similar to a car door closing. It has recently passed an important engine test and is slated for its first flight later this year.

Boom Supersonic, a private company, is also making strides with its Overture jet, targeting commercial flights in the next decade. The company’s test aircraft, XB-1, demonstrated supersonic flight in January without producing a sonic boom. The firm has already garnered significant commercial interest, securing deals with major airlines like United, American, and Japan Airlines.

additionally, the European Commission is investing in several research projects aimed at mitigating the noise and environmental impacts of supersonic flights, such as the RUMBLE project and the ongoing MORE AND LESS project. These initiatives reflect a growing international interest in the prospect of a new era of supersonic air travel.

Source: https://www.euronews.com/next/2025/04/03/what-we-know-about-chinas-plans-for-a-new-supersonic-jet-that-can-fly-50-further-than-conc