Inside the Supersonic Presidential Jet Concept for the 2030s
A California-based aerospace startup is designing a supersonic jet for the US Air Force that could one day carry the president and other senior officials across the globe at nearly twice the speed of sound. Exosonic, which first announced its partnership with the military last year, recently gave CNN a detailed look at the aircraft's interior, offering a glimpse into how future executive transport might blend speed with security and comfort.
The proposed jet, configured for 31 passengers, is a scaled-down version of a larger 70-seat commercial airliner concept the company has also been developing. According to Exosonic, the cabin is outfitted with rotatable seats encased in wooden shells, storable video monitors, and private suites intended for confidential discussions. The design also includes quartz fittings, a detail that underscores the premium nature of the aircraft.
Stephanie Chahan, Exosonic's principal interior designer, told CNN during a virtual walkthrough that the concept aims to incorporate technologies not yet seen on commercial or business aircraft. "With this concept we are planning to implement new technologies that are not available today or that you don't (yet) see on commercial or business aircraft," she said.
Beyond the interior, the jet's performance specs are notable. It is designed to cover up to 5,000 nautical miles and can fly over land at roughly 1,381 mph, or 1.8 times the speed of sound—more than double the speed of conventional passenger planes. A key feature is its "low boom" capability, which is intended to reduce the sonic boom that typically accompanies supersonic flight, minimizing disturbance to people on the ground.
Exosonic CEO Norris Tie explained the significance of this technology. "Low boom allows travelers to fly at supersonic speeds without generating disruptive booms for those on the ground," he told CNN.
The project has evolved since its initial announcement. Last year, reports suggested the jet could reach Mach 5, or five times the speed of sound, but the current specifications point to a more moderate Mach 1.8. Tie did not elaborate on the reason for the change, but the focus on low-boom technology suggests a trade-off between speed and operational practicality.
Why the President Needs Speed
The ability to move the president quickly across the globe is more than a matter of convenience. In situations such as natural disasters or military conflicts, the presence of top officials at the right location can carry significant diplomatic and strategic weight. A supersonic aircraft would cut travel times dramatically, allowing the executive branch to respond faster to crises.
Exosonic expects to have a finished version of the jet by the mid-2030s, according to Tie. That timeline places the project well within the typical development cycle for advanced military aircraft, which often take a decade or more from concept to operational use.
The interior design also reflects the need for flexibility. Chahan noted that the configuration could be adapted depending on who is on board. "So whether they're flying the vice president or the first lady, or the first gentleman, we'd have a lot of flexibility here," she said.
While the project is still in the concept phase, it signals the Air Force's interest in maintaining a high-speed capability for executive transport. The current Air Force One fleet, based on Boeing 747s, has been in service for decades, and a supersonic successor would represent a major leap in both speed and technology.
For now, Exosonic's work remains a design study, but the details shared with CNN offer a concrete look at what the future of presidential travel might hold. The combination of luxury, security, and speed—along with the low-boom innovation—could redefine how the nation's leaders move around the world.
