On January 28, 2025, Boom Supersonic made aviation history with the successful supersonic flight of its XB-1 aircraft, achieving speeds of Mach 1.1 over Mojave Air & Space Port, California. This momentous event signifies the return of supersonic commercial travel, which has not been seen since the retirement of the Concorde over two decades ago.
Live-streamed to the world, the flight captivated aviation enthusiasts and experts alike, as the XB-1—which Boom describes as "the world's first independently developed supersonic jet"—took to the skies amid anticipation and excitement. Earlier flights had already showcased the aircraft's capabilities, with the XB-1 reaching speeds of Mach 0.95 and altitudes nearing 30,000 feet.
Blake Scholl, CEO of Boom Supersonic, expressed the significance of this flight, stating, "This feels surreal. This is supersonic flight's 'Falcon 1' moment. [...] We wanted to build our safety technology and culture, [so] we design XB-1 without an ejection seat. There are literally no outs – the airplane must land safely." This approach emphasizes Boom’s commitment to safety as they strive to develop the future of aviation.
The supersonic aviation market has been largely dormant since the Concorde ceased operations due to its high costs and environmental concerns. Boom’s goal is different; they aim to create the "Overture," a larger commercial airliner capable of carrying 64 to 80 passengers at speeds of up to Mach 1.7, or about twice the speed of current airliners. The aircraft is also being developed with sustainability at its core, with appropriate measures to reduce emissions and utilize sustainable aviation fuels.
Each of the XB-1's 12 test flights has progressively pushed the envelope, demonstrating advancements and providing the data necessary for Overture’s development. On this historic flight, after reaching target altitude, the XB-1 was expected to accelerate beyond the speed of sound, marking another triumph for the young aerospace startup.
During the test, Chief Test Pilot Tristan "Geppetto" Brandenburg took the controls, guiding the XB-1 to 29,481 feet before hitting supersonic speeds. "During the 44-minute flight, Boom Chief Test Pilot Tristan 'Geppetto' Brandenburg took XB-1 to an altitude of 29,481 feet," the company noted on their blog, highlighting both the achievement and the pilot's role.
The return of supersonic travel has come as engineers and companies look to revive what was once deemed economically questionable. The push for the new Overture is supported by 130 current vehicle orders from major airlines, including American Airlines, United Airlines, and Japan Airlines. Such interest indicates the belief among industry leaders in economic viability for this new type of travel.
Another perspective on this significant moment involves comparisons to technology adjustments made to the XB-1, such as the augmented reality vision systems, which are intended to surpass the challenges of runway visibility faced by the Concorde. Instead of utilizing complex moving parts for visibility, the XB-1’s design relies on digital engineering, allowing for more efficient simulations and adjustments throughout the design process.
Construction is also well underway for Boom's $500 million "Superfactory" located at Greensboro’s Piedmont Triad International Airport, which aims to play a pivotal role in the production of Overture. With plans to employ approximately 1,760 people, the facility is anticipated to have significant economic benefits, projecting over $32 billion impact on North Carolina’s economy over the next two decades.
CEO Blake Scholl remains optimistic about Overture's future, emphasizing the company’s long-term goal for high-speed, efficient travel. Reflecting on the potential for supersonic flight to reshape the aviation industry, Scholl stated, "A faster airplane is much more human-efficient, and it’s much more capital-efficient. You can do more flights, with the same airplane and crew." He envisioned, "We can significantly reduce all of the cost and impact" through advancements in technology and efficiency.
While the road to widespread supersonic travel may face challenges—from regulatory hurdles to technological viability—the XB-1’s flight on January 28 is undeniably a leap toward reclaiming the skies for supersonic travel. The sound of the sonic boom will once again echo the challenges and innovation associated with reshaping the aviation world, renewing interest and opening the doors for commercial supersonic air travel by the end of the decade.