Re-BooT Project

Latest Re-BooT News

Re-BooT Project Presented at ICAO Aviation Climate Week 2026 (June 2-4, 2026)

Dr. Makino, Project Manager of the Re-BooT Project, was invited by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) to participate as a speaker at ICAO Aviation Climate Week 2026, held in Montreal, Canada, in June 2026. ICAO is a specialized agency of the United Nations dedicated to the safe and orderly development of international civil aviation. Its headquarters are located in Montreal, Canada.

ICAO Aviation Climate Week is an international conference where governments, aircraft manufacturers, research institutions, and other organizations from around the world gather to share and discuss the latest technological and policy developments related to environmental challenges in aviation and future aircraft technologies.

During the Aircraft Technology Session, Dr. Makino introduced the activities of the Re-BooT Project and the insights gained through it, and actively exchanged views with experts from various countries.

Looking back on the conference, Dr. Makino said:
“Having the opportunity to introduce the Re-BooT Project at an international forum such as ICAO Aviation Climate Week was an extremely valuable experience. I was impressed by the active discussions on the future of aviation technologies that took place across national and organizational boundaries.”

Dr. Makino’s participation in the forum enabled the Re-BooT Project to share its achievements and activities with experts around the world, while also strengthening international exchanges. By making use of the knowledge obtained through collaboration with domestic and international partners, we will continue advancing our research and development.

Wind Tunnel Test for Sonic Boom Verification of the Demonstrator (April 6-17, 2026)

A sonic boom verification test was conducted in the 1 m × 1 m Supersonic Wind Tunnel at the JAXA Chofu Aerospace Center for the demonstrator that will be used in the 2028 flight demonstration test. The purpose of the test was to confirm whether the demonstrator designed using the robust low-boom design technology exhibits the predicted sonic boom characteristics.

In the test, a model approximately one twenty-fifth the size of the demonstrator was installed in the Supersonic Wind Tunnel, where pressure fluctuations generated around the model were measured in a Mach 1.6 supersonic airflow. Because these pressure fluctuations are observed as sonic boom noise when they propagate to the ground, their assessment plays an important role in validating the robust low-boom design technology.

Accurate measurement technology is also essential for capturing the pressure fluctuations around the demonstrator. In this test, precise pressure data was obtained using a sharp-tipped measurement device called a “static pressure rail”.

The triangular plate shown in the photo below is the static pressure rail. Although its shape may appear simple at first glance, it was designed using the measurement technologies and know-how that JAXA has developed over many years to minimize interference with measurements. JAXA is advancing the validation of this measurement technology in collaboration with NASA, and it was also utilized last year in validation tests conducted using NASA’s X-59 wind tunnel test model.

Such accurate measurements confirmed that the pressure fluctuations around the demonstrator are in good agreement with the predictions made during the design process. This is an important achievement that demonstrates the validity of JAXA’s robust low-boom design technology.

Manufacturing of the demonstrator is also steadily advancing, and our efforts toward the 2028 flight demonstration test continue to progress.

Supersonic Wind Tunnel Test of Future Airliner Concept (March 16-25, 2026)

In the Re-BooT project, JAXA conducted wind tunnel tests using a model of the Low-Boom STCA (Supersonic Technology Concept Aeroplane), a low-boom concept aircraft designed with a future quiet supersonic airliner in mind.

For the practical application of supersonic airliners, it is essential to design an aircraft capable of efficient flight while reducing sonic boom noise and aerodynamic drag. To achieve both objectives, the Re-BooT Project is advancing research and development of aircraft shaping technologies.

For this test, a model based on an available recently developed conceptual design for a future low-boom supersonic airliner, incorporating design improvements achieved through the application of JAXA’s robust low-boom design technology, was manufactured. Preliminary computer simulations predicted that aerodynamic drag could be reduced by refining the geometries of aircraft components such as the wing and tail surfaces.

But would these design refinements prove effective in actual supersonic airflow?

To answer this question, model tests were conducted in the 1 m × 1 m Supersonic Wind Tunnel at the JAXA Chofu Aerospace Center. By comparing the aerodynamic forces acting on the models before and after the design refinements under identical test conditions, the tests confirmed a reduction in aerodynamic drag close to that predicted by simulations. This result demonstrates the effectiveness of JAXA’s robust low-boom design technology.

Predicting through computer simulations, then verifying through wind tunnel testing. By accumulating such verification efforts, design technologies for quiet supersonic aircraft become increasingly reliable. Using the data obtained from this wind tunnel test, the Re-BooT Project will continue its research and development toward realizing quiet supersonic flight.

The wind tunnel test activities can be viewed on the JAXA Digital Archives and the JAXA YouTube channel. We invite you to explore them.

• JAXA Digital Archives – “Supersonic and Hypersonic Aircraft” Category
• JAXA Activity Report mini – The “Shape” of a Quiet Supersonic Aircraft Verified in a Wind Tunnel

Manufacturing of the Flight Demonstrator Begins – First Metal Cut Conducted (April 2, 2026)

At last, the design on a screen is beginning to take shape as a real aircraft.

Marking a major milestone in the development of the flight demonstrator, machining of the first component has been completed, signaling the start of the manufacturing phase.
From now on, components will continue to be produced one after another, gradually assembled into a demonstrator.

• Date: January 26, 2026
• Location: Oye Plant, Nagoya Aerospace Systems Works , Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. (the flight demonstrator’s primary development site)
• Event: Machining of the first component of the flight demonstrator (First Metal Cut)

When the start button was pressed, the machine tool started up and the first cut began.

Then, the very first component was completed.

During this First Metal Cut, a structural component for the demonstrator’s fuselage was machined.

The first component of the demonstrator took shape from a piece of metal.
The plant was filled with the excitement that only those involved in manufacturing can share.

Development of the demonstrator will continue toward the 2028 flight demonstration test, progressing through various stages, including component manufacturing, assembly, and ground verification testing.

Photos and images provided by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.

Conceptual Image of Next-Generation Supersonic Transport Revealed (January 19, 2026)

A conceptual CG image of a next-generation supersonic passenger aircraft has been created.
The image illustrates the “quiet supersonic passenger aircraft” concept currently being researched by JAXA.

This artist’s concept represents a small supersonic airliner based on conceptual designs, funded by ARRA and NASA, incorporating JAXA’s robust low-boom design technology.
Sonic boom noise is reduced not only directly beneath the flight path during supersonic cruise but also over a wider area, including regions to the sides of the aircraft and during acceleration.

JAXA’s Re-BooT Project is conducting the flight demonstration of robust low-boom design technology and research and development of design technologies aimed at realizing quiet supersonic passenger aircraft.
The project also aims to contribute to the development of international noise standards for supersonic aircraft.

Several images, including the CG image introduced above, can be viewed and downloaded from the JAXA Digital Archives. We invite you to explore them.

・JAXA Digital Archives – “Supersonic and Hypersonic Aircraft” Category

Mission Emblem Unveiled! (December 3, 2025)

The mission emblem for the Re-BooT Project has been unveiled.

The Re-BooT Project is developing a demonstrator that incorporates JAXA’s “robust low-boom design technology” and will conduct flight demonstration tests to measure sonic booms generated during the demonstrator's supersonic flight.
The mission emblem symbolizes the project by combining the innovative and distinctive silhouette of the flight demonstrator with a sonic boom spreading outward like ripples on water.

With everyone in the project united under this mission emblem, we will devote all our efforts to the project’s success and the realization of next-generation “quiet supersonic aircraft.”

Survey at the Flight Test Site (August 25–29, 2025)

JAXA visited the Esrange Space Center in northern Sweden, where the flight tests will be conducted. With support from the Swedish Space Corporation (SSC), which operates the site, JAXA carried out on-site surveys and field tests. Meisei Electric Co., Ltd., which is responsible for developing the ground measurement system for the flight tests, also visited the Esrange Space Center during the same period to assess site conditions and conduct related tests.

Within the vast test range, which extends approximately 70 km from east to west and 100 km from north to south, JAXA searched for suitable locations for sonic boom and meteorological measurements. During this site survey, JAXA visited candidate measurement sites to confirm whether measurements could be conducted there. As there are no developed roads within the test range, the team traveled by helicopter.

JAXA also evaluated the deployment and operation of the sonic boom and meteorological measurement systems using prototype equipment at the candidate measurement sites and in environments similar to those expected during the actual flight tests.

The results of this survey and these tests will be reflected in future flight test planning and the development of the measurement systems.

Demonstrator Antenna Pattern Tests (April 7–June 11, 2025)

Demonstrator antenna pattern tests were conducted by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. in the radio anechoic chamber of the Electronic Navigation Research Institute (ENRI) as part of the development testing of the demonstrator.

During flight tests, continuous radio communication with the autonomously flying unmanned demonstrator is required to monitor its status in real time from the control room and to transmit flight termination commands in the event of an emergency.

The antenna pattern tests measure and evaluate the directivity of the antenna used for these communications transmits and receives radio waves.

The results of these tests will be reflected in the design and development of the demonstrator.

Wind Tunnel Test for Sonic Boom Characterization of the Demonstrator (February 10–14, 2025)

Wind tunnel tests were conducted from February 10 to 14 in JAXA’s 2 m × 2 m Transonic Wind Tunnel to assess the sonic boom characteristics of the flight demonstrator.

Wind Tunnel Test for Aerodynamic Characterization of the Demonstrator (January 20–February 7, 2025)

Wind tunnel tests were conducted from January 20 to February 7 in JAXA’s 2 m × 2 m Transonic Wind Tunnel to assess the aerodynamic performance of the flight demonstrator.
The tests were conducted by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd., a partner company in the Re-BooT Project.

Project Presented at JAXA Aeronautics Symposium 2024 (October 18, 2024)

JAXA presented an overview of the Re-BooT Project at the JAXA Aeronautics Symposium 2024, held at Tokyo Big Sight on October 18, 2024.
Invited speakers from NASA and the Boeing Company, both collaborators on the project, also gave presentations on their joint supersonic aircraft research with JAXA.

[Event Report] JAXA Aeronautics Symposium 2024

October 26, 2026