Sonic Cruiser Project Has Been On The Back Burner For Years

Before Boeing dreamed up the Dreamliner, it was working on a supersonic airliner it called the Sonic Cruiser ... even to the point of beginning construction on a prototype in 2007. After the company focused so much time and so many resources on the 787, many thought the program had faded away.

But in fact, it has just been on the back burner at Boeing. Gizmodo reports that a revised version of the Sonic Cruiser popped up in a patent published April 19th, with several new design elements.

Gizmodo reports that among the changes are engines placed over the wings ... the patent drawing shown is vaguely reminiscent of the engine nacelles on the Starship Enterprise  ... with vertical stabilizers and variable geometry chevrons much like the F-35. It features a canard configuration like the previous design.

There is nothing to indicate that Boeing will build the Sonic Cruiser any time soon, but for those who have lamented the retirement of the Concorde, it does hold out some hope for a return to three-hour trips across the Atlantic. (Top image new patent drawing. Lower images previous Sonic Cruiser concept)

FMI: www.boeing.com