New Prize For Supersonic RC Plane

Boom Supersonic, the startup aerospace company building a supersonic airliner, announced the Boom Prize for the first radio-controlled airplane to exceed Mach 1.

The winner will receive $750,000 in prize money and $50,000 in the company’s stock. Judges include NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman and popular science YouTuber Scott Manley.

To win the competition, amateur participants must fly and land a remotely piloted, air-breathing aircraft that breaks the sound barrier in level flight. To prove that the feat is repeatable and not a stunt, they must perform it twice in a single day, between sunrise and sunset. One key requirement for the Boom Prize is the use of turbojet, turbofan, or ramjet propulsion. Rocket thrusters and onboard oxidizers are not permitted. A human pilot must control every flight.

To compete for the Boom Prize, entrants must be U.S. persons and funded by private, personal, or crowdfunded donations. The contest is intended for amateurs such as students and hobbyists. Corporate entrants or teams backed by venture capital, corporate sponsorships, or institutional or government funding are not allowed.

Aerospace professionals can still compete but only using their own resources. Registration is free but must be completed before the first supersonic attempt. The competition will remain open through the end of 2030.