On January 28, 2025, Boom Supersonic completed its first supersonic flight with the XB-1 demonstrator aircraft in Mojave, California. This milestone marks the first time an independently developed jet has broken the sound barrier, achieving a speed of Mach 1.122, approximately 10% faster than the speed of sound.
- Boom Supersonic achieved first supersonic flight.
- XB-1 broke the sound barrier independently.
- Overture aims for Mach 1.7 operation.
- 130 orders from major airlines received.
- Sustainable aviation fuel is a future focus.
- Overture Superfactory designed for high production.
The XB-1, flown by chief test pilot Tristan Brandenburg, took off from the Mojave Air and Space Port, the same location where Chuck Yeager broke the sound barrier in 1947. This flight is a significant step towards the development of Boom’s commercial airliner, Overture.
The XB-1 has now completed 12 successful test flights since its first flight in March 2024. The aircraft’s recent flight lasted approximately 12 minutes, during which it reached an altitude of 35,000 feet. This achievement is part of Boom’s efforts to revive supersonic travel, which has not been commercially available since the Concorde’s retirement in 2003.
Key details of the flight include:
- Flight Date: January 28, 2025
- Location: Mojave Air and Space Port, California
- Speed Achieved: Mach 1.122 (750 miles per hour)
- Aircraft: XB-1, a precursor to the Overture
Boom Supersonic has received 130 orders and pre-orders for its Overture aircraft from major airlines such as American Airlines, United Airlines, and Japan Airlines. The company aims to have Overture operational by the end of the decade, with plans to service over 600 routes worldwide. Overture is designed to carry 64 to 80 passengers at speeds of Mach 1.7, significantly reducing travel time compared to current subsonic airliners.
In summary, Boom Supersonic’s successful flight of the XB-1 marks a pivotal moment in the resurgence of supersonic travel. With ongoing development and significant airline interest, the future of faster air travel appears promising.
