On January 28, 2025, Boom Supersonic’s XB-1 aircraft successfully completed its first supersonic flight in Mojave, California. This milestone marks the first time an independently developed jet has broken the sound barrier, setting the stage for the future of supersonic commercial air travel.
The XB-1 demonstrator, which has undergone 12 successful test flights since March 2024, surpassed the sound barrier by reaching Mach 1.122 at an altitude of 35,290 feet. This achievement is critical for Boom Supersonic’s ambitions to develop the Overture, a supersonic airliner intended to fly at Mach 1.7, carrying passengers at twice the speed of current subsonic aircraft. The historic flight took place in the same airspace where Chuck Yeager first broke the sound barrier in 1947, and was piloted by Boom’s chief test pilot, Tristan ‘Geppetto’ Brandenburg. The company has already secured 130 pre-orders for the Overture from major airlines, including American Airlines, United Airlines, and Japan Airlines.
The success of the XB-1 comes nearly 55 years after Concorde’s first supersonic flight and more than two decades since its retirement. Despite numerous attempts, no commercial supersonic aircraft has been operational since Concorde. Boom Supersonic’s CEO, Blake Scholl, envisions a future where supersonic travel becomes commonplace, with plans for the Overture to operate on over 600 routes globally. The company emphasizes advanced digital engineering techniques that allow for rapid and cost-effective design testing, unlike the expensive wind tunnel methods used during Concorde’s era.
Blake Scholl highlights significant advancements in aerodynamics, materials, and propulsion that have enabled the return of supersonic flight. The XB-1 utilizes carbon fiber composites for strength and lightweight properties, while the Overture is designed to use sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), aligning with environmental goals. Scholl acknowledges challenges with SAF availability and costs but remains optimistic about its role in the future of long-haul aviation.
Boom Supersonic’s achievement with the XB-1 represents a pivotal step toward reviving supersonic air travel. With ongoing advancements and the construction of the Overture Superfactory, the company aims to revolutionize air travel by making high-speed journeys more accessible and environmentally sustainable.
Article Source: Boom: Americaâs answer to Concorde completes its first supersonic flight | CNN
Image Credit: Boom Supersonic
