Startup in Colorado building 'Son of Concorde' using wraps inspired by shark skin to improve efficiency
- Boom Supersonic is gaining momentum with Son of Concorde
- The Overture craft has been testing a wrap that imitates shark skin
- The microscopic grooves increase aerodynamics and efficiency
Published on Apr 27, 2025 at 2:50 PM (UTC+4)
by Jack Marsh
Last updated on Apr 25, 2025 at 11:10 AM (UTC+4)
Edited by
Emma Matthews
In a bid to increase fuel efficiency while going faster than the speed of sound, a company in Colorado building ‘Son of Concorde’ has started using wraps inspired by shark skin.
We’ve not had a Concorde flight in over 20 years, but as technology and innovation continue to improve, it looks like we could soon be in for a revival of sorts.
The ‘Son of Concorde’, made in Colorado, is quickly becoming a feasible passenger carrier, touted to arrive this decade.
Now, it seems to be wrestling with new features to overcome the glaring efficiency issues.
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Boom Supersonic is reportedly trying out shark skin-like wraps
Boom Supersonic is jetting straight for the aerospace history books by creating the fastest jet in the world.
The Overture, dubbed the next-gen Concorde, is aiming to be a frequent flyer in 2030, thrusting through the air faster than the speed of sound.
Despite its little brother, the XB-1, being airborne for testing and already breaking the sound barrier to enjoy sustained flying at Mach-1 (over 700MPH), the company is still struggling with efficiency.
According to new reports, Boom Supersonic is now testing a wrap inspired by shark skin developed by Australian aerospace company MicroTau, designed to increase its aerodynamics.
The shark wrap takes inspiration from the great sea predators by creating microscopic ‘riblets’ on the plane’s exterior.
Their skin’s texture helps with the shark’s resistance in the water, minimizing drag. And this effect is replicated in the air with the wrap.
According to New Scientist, the XB-1 has used this material on two flights that broke the sound barrier, and the durability technology remained strong and unwavering.
‘Son of Concorde’ is taking notes from passenger airlines
Boom Supersonic isn’t the only aviation company using such features, though.
Airlines such as Lufthansa and Delta have used the shark skin wrap on their passenger carriers in the last year.
But with the Overture hoping to reignite the Concorde’s legacy in the coming years, every microscopic ripple that keeps the aircraft efficient is welcome.
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