MOJAVE, California — On January 28, 2025, Boom Supersonic's XB-1 aircraft accomplished a remarkable feat by completing its first supersonic flight, breaking through the sound barrier and reaching Mach 1.122. This historic milestone marks the first civil supersonic flight since the retirement of Concorde, signaling the potential resurgence of commercial supersonic air travel.
During the 34-minute flight, which took place over the Mojave Desert, Chief Test Pilot Tristan "Geppetto" Brandenburg expertly maneuvered the XB-1 to approximately 35,290 feet, demonstrating advanced aerodynamics and engineering innovation. "It was smooth, it was predictable, and it felt great," Brandenburg remarked, highlighting the successful execution of the flight.
The XB-1's achievement is significant not only for Boom Supersonic but for the aviation industry as a whole. Blake Scholl, Founder and CEO of Boom, expressed his excitement, stating, "Today is a day I’ve been looking forward to for more than a decade. Today, we get to celebrate. Tomorrow, we’re back to work because it’s time to go big." The flight is seen as the first step toward realizing the future of the Overture—a commercial supersonic airliner capable of carrying 64 to 80 passengers at speeds of Mach 1.7, or nearly twice the speeds of today’s subsonic airliners.
The test was conducted with strict adherence to safety protocols and regulations, with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) providing special authorization for supersonic flight over land. This careful preparation enhances the importance of the flight, demonstrating the viability of supersonic commercial travel once again.
Breaking records, the XB-1 achieved supersonic speeds three times, underscoring its capabilities. Observers noted the aircraft prime airspace, previously used by aviation legend Chuck Yeager when he first shattered the sound barrier on October 14, 1947. "XB-1’s supersonic flight demonstrates the technology for passenger supersonic flight has arrived," Scholl stated, emphasizing the significance of independent engineering prowess conquering what has been primarily government territory for decades.
Boom Supersonic's XB-1 serves as both a demonstration and prototype for the future Overture aircraft, which has garnered substantial interest from major airlines. To date, the company has secured 130 pre-orders from American Airlines, United Airlines, and Japan Airlines. Overture aims to serve over 600 global routes, with the hopeful entry of commercial flights projected for 2030.
The Overture aircraft is positioned to change business travel, promising transcontinental flights—from New York to London—in just 3.5 hours, showcasing its potential to transform air travel efficiency.
Another key aspect highlighted by Scholl is Boom's incorporation of advanced technologies, such as augmented reality vision systems which will aid pilots during takeoff and landing, enhancing safety and visibility. The XB-1's construction features carbon fiber, providing lightweight strength and showcasing the materials meant for Overture.
While there remain hurdles to overcome, including regulatory challenges around sonic booms and operational costs, Boom Supersonic is committed to addressing these issues, optimistic about creating airliners more environmentally sustainable than past iterations like Concorde, which was infamous for its inefficiencies.
With this successful demonstration flight, the team at Boom Supersonic has laid the groundwork for the future of supersonic travel, hoping to break not just the sound barrier but also the barriers of access and economics. "A small band of talented and dedicated engineers has accomplished what previously took governments and billions of dollars," Scholl accentuated, recognizing the hard work and talent of the engineers who made this milestone possible.
"It has been a privilege and highlight of my career to be part of the team..." said Brandenburg. This sentiment reflects the anticipation shared among industry professionals as they look forward to the continued evolution of commercial aviation.
Looking ahead, Boom's Overture, supported by technological innovations and significant airline interest, signals the dawn of a new era — one where travelers may once again experience the thrill of flying faster than sound.