On October 7, 2024, Boom Supersonic’s XB-1 supersonic jet completed its fifth test flight at the Mojave Air & Space Port, achieving significant milestones in speed and altitude.
The Concorde, which operated from 1969 until its final flight in 2003, could reach speeds of Mach 2 (approximately 1,354 mph / 2,180 km/h) and significantly reduce transatlantic flight times. However, it faced two major challenges: high fuel consumption, burning around 5,638 gallons (25,629 liters) per hour, and the disruptive sonic booms that restricted its operations over land. Additionally, flying on the Concorde came with a hefty price tag—around US$12,000 for a luxury round trip.
In March of this year, the XB-1 made history as the first privately developed supersonic jet to take flight, with pilot Bill “Doc” Shoemaker at the controls, launching from the same site where the Bell X-1 broke the sound barrier in 1947. Fast forward to October 7, 2024, and Chief Test Pilot Tristan “Geppetto” Brandenburg set new records during a 50-minute flight, reaching an altitude of 17,800 feet (5,425 meters) and a speed of Mach 0.69 (428 knots / 492 mph / 791 km/h). This marked the XB-1’s highest and fastest flight to date.
During this latest test, Boom assessed its flutter excitation system (FES) at Mach 0.6. This crucial system induces vibrations in the aircraft’s airframe to help engineers identify potential structural issues, ensuring safety at higher speeds. The test strategy focuses on gradually increasing the XB-1’s speed and altitude to mitigate risks, with the company planning five additional flights before attempting to break the sound barrier.
The XB-1 serves as the foundational platform for Boom’s Overture, a commercial supersonic airliner designed to carry 64 to 80 passengers at speeds of Mach 1.7 (about 1,300 mph / 2,200 km/h) and a range of 4,250 nautical miles (4,891 miles / 7,869 km). Unlike its predecessor, the Concorde, the Overture is engineered with noise reduction technologies to minimize sonic booms, allowing for flights over land while adhering to modern environmental standards. Its Symphony turbojet engine is capable of using 100% sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), emphasizing Boom’s commitment to eco-friendly aviation.
Importantly, the Overture will utilize standard commercial airport runways, unlike the Concorde, which requires long landing strips of nearly 10,000 feet (3,048 meters). Manufacturing for the Overture is set to commence in 2025, with test flights expected in 2027 and commercial service anticipated by 2029. United Airlines and other companies are already expressing interest in this innovative aircraft, signaling a potential renaissance for supersonic travel.
Source: Boom Supersonic
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