<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica" size="2">Boeing Studying New High-Speed Plane, 250-Seat Jet, Flight Says
By Tim Kelly
Seattle, May 14 (Bloomberg) -- Boeing is considering developing a "transonic'' plane that can fly faster than the speed of sound and a widebody jet with up to 250 seats, along with plans already announced to design the so-called sonic cruiser high- speed airliner, Flight International reported.
The three types of aircraft are part Boeing's "20XX'' project formed five years ago to evaluate new designs and manufacturing technology, the magazine said. The transonic aircraft might cruise at speeds of up to Mach 1.2, or 840 miles per hour, Flight said without citing sources.
Seattle-based Boeing has already asked engine makers including General Electric Co., United Technology Corp.'s Pratt & Whitney and Rolls-Royce Plc, to study the development of jet engines for these aircraft, the magazine said. As yet only the sonic cruiser has been discussed with airlines, Flight reported.
Virgin Atlantic Airways Ltd. said on Friday it is interested in buying as many as six sonic cruisers, which Boeing said could be delivered to customers between 2006 and 2007.
(Flight International, May 15-21, p. 4)</font>
The F-22 engines already allow super cuise at M2.0+ without afterburner, the engine technology exists (with low fuel burn).
[This message has been edited by Zeke (edited 15 May 2001).]