Baby Boom: Branson unveils supersonic jet faster than Concorde

The XB-1 Supersonic Demonstrator. Pic: Boom Technology

Nicknamed the "Baby Boom", the 40-seater airliner can fly from London to New York in 3.5 hours at a speed of 1,451mph.

Sir Richard Branson has unveiled a prototype for a supersonic passenger airliner which its designers claim will be able to fly passengers from London to New York in three-and-a-half hours for an "affordable" $5,000 return ticket.

It is expected to have its first test flight next year in Southern California. The venture is a joint project between Sir Richard's Virgin Galactic and Denver-based US firm Boom Technology.

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