Boom Supersonic's XB-1 technology demonstrator aircraft has reached new heights, hitting a supersonic top speed of Mach 1.122 during its twelfth test flight. This achievement signals the viability of passenger supersonic travel just as the aviation industry is recovering from turbulent times.
Blake Scholl, the founder and CEO of Boom Supersonic, expressed his enthusiasm about the development, stating, "XB-1’s supersonic flight demonstrates... has accomplished what previously took governments and billions of dollars." This marks a significant milestone, as historically, supersonic aircraft have relied on government or military funding for development.
Until now, supersonic flight technologies were mainly the fruits of large-scale government projects. With the successful flight of the XB-1, Boom Supersonic claims to have broken new ground by being the first privately developed aircraft to pass the sound barrier. The XB-1 first took to the skies for its initial flight back in March 2024, and the team has been diligently progressing through its flight test program, which involves flying under increasingly challenging conditions.
Since its first flight, the XB-1 has successfully traversed each aerodynamic range—subsonic, transonic, and now supersonic. Chief test pilot Tristan "Geppetto" Brandenburg shared his thoughts on the achievement, saying, "It has been a privilege... make safe and successful supersonic flight possible." He emphasized the dedication of the entire XB-1 team to this historic endeavor.
The XB-1 serves as both a testbed and validation for technologies and design features intended for Boom’s forthcoming Overture supersonic airliner. Some of the innovations include augmented reality vision systems, aerodynamics optimized for supersonic performance, lightweight composite materials, and specially-designed engine intakes capable of slowing down incoming air.
Looking forward, Boom Supersonic is focusing on the development of its Mach 1.7 Overture, which will be able to carry up to 80 passengers, offering significant advancements over current air travel norms. The aircraft will boast impressive range capabilities, up to 4,900 miles (7,885 km), making it ideally suited for long-distance travel.
Powering the Overture will be three non-afterburning, medium-bypass turbofan engines—two strategically placed under the wings and one located at the tail, ensuring maximum efficiency and performance.
Boom is targeting to roll out the first completed Overture aircraft by 2026, with plans for certification and entry to service projected for 2030. These timelines indicate the company's ambition to revolutionize air travel and make supersonic flights accessible to the masses.
Blake Scholl's vision is clear: "Next, we are scaling up the technology on XB-1 for the Overture supersonic airliner. Our ultimate goal is to bring the benefits of supersonic flight to everyone." The successful test flight of the XB-1 not only highlights the dawn of new possibilities for commercial aviation but also cements Boom Supersonic's place as a pioneer in the race to revive supersonic travel.