Your feature on the USA's Quiet Supersonic Platform (Flight International, 15-21 January) made me think of other uses for it.
It could give the UK a platform for a manned Future Offensive Air Capability to replace Tornado GR4s, within its replacement timescale. If the unit cost of a US bomber is too high, the UK could use cheaper (less stealthy) materials and an affordable avionics package. France and Australia also need such an aircraft within the same timeframe.
If the design works, it will significantly reduce supersonic boom, overland. This could allow a new generation of supersonic airliners, with super cruise engines to replace Boeing 767 and 777, Airbus 330 and 340 aircraft. Boeing could bring a supersonic Sonic Cruiser into service in the next decade.
Tony Linden
Reading, UK
Source: Flight International
