On January 28, 2025, Boom Supersonic’s XB-1 demonstrator plane successfully broke the sound barrier during a test flight over California’s Mojave Desert. The flight, piloted by Chief Test Pilot Tristan “Geppetto” Brandenburg, reached a speed of Mach 1.122, equivalent to 750 mph, at an altitude of approximately 35,000 feet.
- Boom Supersonic's XB-1 breaks sound barrier.
- XB-1 achieved Mach 1.122 at 35,000 feet.
- Overture aims for Mach 1.7 passenger flights.
- United Airlines shows interest in Overture.
- Overture designed to be quieter than Concorde.
- Concorde faced operational inefficiencies and noise issues.
Following the flight, Boom Supersonic’s CEO Blake Scholl expressed enthusiasm about the milestone, emphasizing the company’s readiness to develop a new supersonic passenger jet called Overture, which aims to revive commercial supersonic travel.
The XB-1 flight marks a significant step for Boom Supersonic, which aims to create the first new supersonic airliner since the Concorde was retired in 2003. The company plans to incorporate lessons learned from the XB-1 into the design of Overture, a passenger jet designed to carry up to 80 passengers at speeds of Mach 1.7, nearly double the speed of current commercial jets. Airlines like United and American have shown interest in purchasing this new aircraft.
Key details of the XB-1 flight include:
- Flight duration: Approximately 34 minutes.
- Altitude reached: About 35,000 feet.
- Speed achieved: Mach 1.122 (750 mph).
Boom Supersonic anticipates that Overture will be ready for commercial flights by 2030. The aircraft is designed for transoceanic travel at altitudes of up to 60,000 feet, which is expected to provide a smoother flight experience by flying above most turbulence. Unlike the Concorde, which was criticized for high operational costs, Boom plans to offer competitive pricing for Overture, making it financially viable for airlines.
The successful test flight of the XB-1 is a pivotal achievement for Boom Supersonic as it seeks to revitalize supersonic air travel. With plans for Overture, the company aims to address the economic challenges faced by the Concorde, potentially transforming the future of aviation.
