Boom XB-1 Pushes The Sound Barrier Before Supersonic Flight

Commercial aviation is on the cusp of reclaiming the skies at supersonic speeds, a capability dormant for over two decades since the Concorde’s retirement in 2003. Boom Supersonic, a company leading the charge, marked a pivotal step on January 10, 2025, as its XB-1 prototype reached a transonic speed of Mach 0.95 during its 11th test flight over California’s Mojave Desert.

The significance of this achievement cannot be overstated. The Concorde’s retirement marked the first time a technological milestone—sustained supersonic commercial flight—was lost. High operational costs, political challenges, and the limitations of the era’s technology made supersonic travel economically unsustainable and ultimately impractical. However, companies like Boom are determined to rewrite the narrative, blending modern advancements with a vision of accessible, environmentally conscious supersonic travel.

During the 44-minute test flight, the XB-1, piloted by Chief Test Pilot Tristan “Geppetto” Brandenburg, pushed the boundaries of aerodynamics at an altitude of 29,481 feet (8,986 meters). The aircraft reached transonic speeds, where parts of the airflow over the airframe surpassed the speed of sound. This phase, known for intense dynamic pressure, subjected the aircraft to a force of 383 Knots Equivalent Air Speed (KEAS)—a level of stress surpassing what it will encounter at Mach 1.1.

This milestone represents more than just technical data; it is a testament to the XB-1’s design and its potential to breach the so-called Sound Barrier. The team at Boom regards this as a crucial juncture in their development program, testing the aircraft’s structural resilience and flight controls under extreme conditions.

The outcome of this test flight will determine whether additional subsonic trials are needed or if the XB-1 is ready to embark on its final challenge—achieving supersonic speeds later this year. If successful, Boom Supersonic will cement its place at the forefront of next-generation aviation, bridging the gap between the nostalgia of Concorde’s golden era and the promise of a new age of faster, sustainable air travel.

Source: Boom

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