Then, when the FAA finally comes up with a specification for maximum footprint noise level and profile (not just sheer overpressure or decibels, but whether one large boom or multiple smaller booms etc), Boom will have confidence that what their computer models say will happen actually will happen on the full scale prototype.

Boom isn't trying for quiet supersonic. Their plan is to fly subsonic (at Stage 4 noise levels, IIRC) until they get over water, then crank it. Which is why they can't make it as a bizjet, because bizjets aren't often used exclusively for overwater routes.
 
That is if they are building with sonic boom suppression in mind. Boom is not. They are building for routes where sonic boom is not an issue - i.e. - over water for the most part.
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Boom isn't trying for quiet supersonic. Their plan is to fly subsonic (at Stage 4 noise levels, IIRC) until they get over water, then crank it. Which is why they can't make it as a bizjet, because bizjets aren't often used exclusively for overwater routes.
I believe that is a terrible business model.

Assuming that their airframes do get bought, that means that any airline who bought Boom would be disadvantaged compared to a company that bought quiet supersonics. (I'm using the SouthWest Airlines model here, one pool of pilots, one pool of mechanics, etc)
 
I'm baffled by the fact that the pilot doesn't appear to have an ejection-seat.
My best guess is because it's not meant to operate in a hostile/combat/unknown environment/flight envelope.
 
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Not sure how that works, orders for what exactly?

Regards,
It's a paper option. So the airline pays a negotiated payment as sort of a down payment on a purchase option at a set price per airframe.
Boom says, I'll sell you X-number of airframes for $150m. United says, I'll give you Y-dollars to secure a rolling option for X-number of airframes at $150m if you can deliver by 2035.

Because Boom has nothing to sell but hope to investors right now, the options are probably extremely cheap. They might be willing to take a loss on the first orders just to secure the funding now and have the orders in the pocket.

It's good for the airline because it gets their name in the paper with the word supersonic next to it and it locked down a price. Even if Boom later decides to price it at $200m per airframe later, the airline has a contracted option at X-number for $150m. It gives Boom a relatively small amount of money up front, and they can tell investors they have pre-orders.
Win-win. Usually. Airlines do it seed technology they want and will use for a relatively very small amount of money up front. They are gambling with their spare change knowing the preorder helps get Boom to the finish line and locks down what is usually a bargain price for purchasing.

If they buy options or a rolling option from Airbus, it's going to be much more expensive, because Airbus is selling a well-defined purchase date or product. From a start up, it's just seed money and a locked in price.
 

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