On January 28, 2025, Boom Supersonic achieved a historic milestone with the successful supersonic flight of its XB-1 demonstrator aircraft, breaking the sound barrier at the Mojave Air & Space Port. This marks the first time since the Concorde's retirement over two decades ago, and the first time by a privately developed civil supersonic jet, setting the stage for the revival of commercial supersonic travel.
Flown by Boom's chief test pilot Tristan "Geppetto" Brandenburg, the XB-1 reached an altitude of 35,290 feet and accelerated to Mach 1.122, around 750 mph, for a total flight time of 34 minutes. This flight not only showcased the aircraft's capabilities but demonstrated the potential for future supersonic passenger travel, according to the company.
Blake Scholl, founder and CEO of Boom Supersonic, emphasized the significance of this event, stating, "XB-1's supersonic flight demonstrates the technology for passenger supersonic flight has arrived. A small band of talented and dedicated engineers has accomplished what previously took governments and billions of dollars." The XB-1 serves as a prototype for the company’s forthcoming Overture airliner, expected to operate at speeds of up to Mach 1.7 and carry between 64 and 80 passengers.
The XB-1 aircraft is made primarily from lightweight carbon fiber composites and incorporates several advanced features, including digitally optimized aerodynamics and augmented reality systems for improved landing visibility. This technological groundwork is seen as integral to the success of the planned Overture, which aims to be "the world’s fastest airliner."
The flight was broadcast live on YouTube, drawing significant public interest—nearly 500,000 viewers tuned in. The use of Starlink technology allowed for seamless transmission during the flight, showcasing the intersection of traditional aerospace advancements with modern digital capabilities.
Brandenburg expressed his pride and excitement, stating, "It has been a privilege and a highlight of my career to be part of the team achieving this milestone. Our disciplined and methodical approach made this safe and successful first supersonic flight possible."
Historically, supersonic flight has been marred by challenges, primarily due to high operational costs and the significant noise created by sonic booms. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has banned supersonic flight over land since 1973, primarily due to the disruptive nature of these booms. Boom Supersonic aims to overcome these hurdles by utilizing innovative engine designs and efficient aerodynamics to reduce noise and costs. The company's Overture airliner is also planned to use sustainable aviation fuel to address environmental concerns and promote wider acceptance of supersonic travel.
Leading up to this successful flight, the XB-1 underwent several test flights, allowing engineers to refine its aerodynamics and operational safety. Since its inaugural flight in March 2024, it has conducted 11 human-piloted tests, confirming the technologies needed for the Overture airliner.
Despite the excitement, the path forward for supersonic travel remains cautious. The environmental impact of sonic booms and conversations on whether the era of commercial supersonic travel can return are still very pertinent. Scholl remains optimistic, emphasizing, "The world needs supersonic flights. Passengers deserve it." Other aerospace companies, including NASA and Lockheed Martin, are also exploring low-boom technologies, indicating broader industry interest in supersonic travel's revival.
If Boom Supersonic can address the economic and regulatory challenges, the future of commercial aviation could change dramatically. The company has already secured capital commitments with 130 orders and pre-orders from major airlines such as American Airlines, United Airlines, and Japan Airlines, anticipating the Overture to operate on over 600 global routes. The Overture Superfactory located in Greensboro, North Carolina, is expected to produce up to 66 Overture aircraft annually, significantly enhancing the scalability of this technology.
With the XB-1’s recent achievements, Boom Supersonic moves closer to realizing its vision of bringing supersonic travel back to the commercial market, marking a potential renaissance for high-speed air travel.