Boom’s XB-1 Supersonic Plane Has Been Cleared For Test Flights

The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has granted Boom Supersonic ground-breaking permission to execute supersonic flights using its XB-1 prototype.  

The FAA has approved Boom’s XB-1 prototype, an early version of the Overture commercial aircraft, as the first-ever Special Flight Authorization (SFA) to Exceed Mach. With this approval, the XB-1 may break the sound barrier in preparation for its next test flights, an essential step in showcasing its potential. 

The permission provides particular airspace for Boom’s testing needs and approves supersonic flights. Boom’s supersonic test flights will occur in the Black Mountain Supersonic Corridor at Edwards Air Force Base in California and part of the High Altitude Supersonic Corridor within the R-2515 area. 

Boom must pass a series of subsonic tests before going into supersonic speed. These tests, which total twenty, include crucial benchmarks, including the first wheels-up flight, vibration testing to guarantee the integrity of the airframe, flight systems testing, and subsystem assessments. With Mach 1.1, 1.2, and 1.3 scheduled for the first supersonic flights, plenty of airspace must be available for safety and agility. 

This new agreement loosens several environmental restrictions about sonic booms and allows Boom to carry out supersonic testing. A pursuit aircraft will fly alongside the XB-1 throughout the flights to collect critical performance data such as handling characteristics, altitude, airspeed, and airworthiness. 

Boom Supersonic’s creator and CEO, Blake Scholl, highlighted the importance of this milestone and thanked the FAA for their cooperation. “I’m looking forward to XB-1’s historic first supersonic flight, following its successful first flight,” he said, emphasizing the FAA’s critical role in promoting innovation and advancing the area of supersonic travel.