Boom Supersonic’s XB-1 aircraft has successfully completed its first supersonic flight, marking a milestone in aviation history. The demonstration flight, carried out at California’s Mojave Air & Space Port, makes XB-1 the first independently developed supersonic jet to break the sound barrier. Flown by Chief Test Pilot Tristan “Geppetto” Brandenburg, the aircraft reached an altitude of 35,290 feet and accelerated to Mach 1.122, or 750 mph.
The achievement is significant in a field traditionally dominated by government-backed programmes. Boom’s founder and CEO, Blake Scholl, highlighted the accomplishment as proof that supersonic passenger flight is within reach. “A small group of dedicated engineers has achieved what once required vast government budgets. With XB-1, we’re laying the groundwork for Overture, the next generation of supersonic airliners,” he stated.
Technology and Development
XB-1 incorporates advanced technologies, many of which will feature in Boom’s Overture, designed to carry passengers at Mach 1.7. Among these innovations is an augmented reality vision system, developed to address runway visibility challenges caused by the aircraft’s distinctive elongated nose. The aircraft also uses lightweight carbon fibre composites for enhanced aerodynamics and durability.
Extensive computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations played a pivotal role in optimising XB-1’s design for both efficiency and stability. Another critical feature, supersonic engine intakes, effectively manage airflows, enabling the aircraft’s conventional engines to perform at high speeds.
Since its first flight in March 2024, XB-1 has undergone 11 test flights under increasingly demanding conditions, building towards its historic supersonic achievement. Brandenburg credited the team’s safety-focused approach for the successful campaign, noting, “This milestone reflects the discipline and dedication of our team. The lessons learned will shape the future of supersonic travel.”
Path to Commercial Supersonic Travel
The insights gained from XB-1 are crucial to Boom’s plans for Overture, a commercial airliner capable of carrying 64 to 80 passengers. Overture, which is expected to operate on over 600 routes worldwide, will fly at nearly twice the speed of current subsonic aircraft. Its propulsion system, Symphony, is designed for sustainability, running on up to 100% sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).
Boom’s ambitions for supersonic travel extend beyond speed and efficiency to include environmental considerations. The Overture Superfactory, recently constructed in Greensboro, North Carolina, is designed to produce up to 66 aircraft annually, positioning Boom as a leader in sustainable, high-speed aviation.
Overture has already secured 130 orders and pre-orders from major airlines, including American Airlines, United Airlines, and Japan Airlines. With XB-1’s success, the company is one step closer to reviving the dream of commercial supersonic travel last seen with Concorde’s retirement over 20 years ago.
XB-1’s flight occurred in the same airspace where aviation history was made in 1947 when Chuck Yeager broke the sound barrier. This achievement heralds a new era for civil aviation, combining speed, safety, and sustainability.
For more on XB-1, visit Boom Supersonic.