All-In PodcastBlake Scholl: Why Plane Speed Stalled, Supersonic Commercial Flight, & Revolutionizing the Engine
22 Sept 2026 · 18 min · Episode page ↗Innovation in aviation has been artificially stalled by regulatory and manufacturing inertia, but new approaches to engine design and noise mitigation are creating a resurgence for supersonic flight and a surprising pivot into energy for data centers.
Summary
This conversation with Blake Scholl, CEO of Boom Supersonic, reveals a striking parallel between the stagnation in aviation innovation since the 1960s and the potential for a breakthrough. Scholl argues that legacy companies, steeped in past methods, are ill-suited for radical change, and his startup's journey highlights how a vertically integrated approach to engine design and manufacturing can disrupt not only air travel but also critical energy infrastructure. The discussion challenges the notion that complex engineering is solely the domain of large corporations.
Interesting ideas
Boomless Supersonic Flight is Now Possible and Legal. Boom Supersonic has developed 'boomless cruise' technology, using atmospheric refraction to redirect sonic booms upwards, preventing them from reaching the ground. This innovation led to the unanimous passing of the Supersonic Legalization Act in the House, effectively overturning the 1973 ban on supersonic flight over the U.S. This matters because it removes the primary regulatory obstacle to widespread supersonic commercial travel, opening up new routes and dramatically reducing travel times.
A Vertically Integrated Engine Strategy Solves Two Major Problems. Initially struggling to outsource engine development, Boom pivoted to designing and manufacturing its own jet engines from scratch using advanced digital tools. This vertical integration not only created an engine perfectly suited for their supersonic aircraft but also led to a surprising application: using the engine core, without its fan, to generate 42 megawatts of behind-the-meter power for data centers. This dual-use strategy makes the supersonic startup financially viable by addressing immense demand in the energy sector while perfecting aviation technology.
Legacy Companies Block Innovation; Startups Can Disrupt. The guest contends that large, established companies like Boeing, with their deep expertise rooted in past methods, are inherently resistant to radical innovation. Boom, starting as a small team with a mock-up made of cardboard, succeeded in building and flying a supersonic jet where larger entities had failed or stagnated. This highlights the potential for nimble, vertically integrated startups to drive significant technological advancements and re-industrialize critical sectors faster than traditional giants.
Questions worth thinking about
If the 'boomless cruise' technology is effective up to Mach 1.3, what are the implications for long-haul routes that could theoretically exceed this speed over land?
Could Boom's 'reinvented' engine manufacturing approach be applied to other energy-intensive industries beyond data centers, and what impact might that have on grid stability and localized power generation?
What specific elements of 'digital manufacturing' allow a smaller company to out-compete the R&D and production capabilities of established aerospace giants?
Written by AI from the episode's full transcript. It can get things wrong: if something here looks off, tell us at hello@podpings.com.