In a breakthrough for the aviation industry, Boom Supersonic’s XB-1 prototype has successfully broken the sound barrier, reaching Mach 1.122 during a flight over the Mojave Air & Space Port in California.
Piloted by Chief Test Pilot Tristan Brandenburg, the flight took place in a designated air corridor over California, an area historically linked to groundbreaking achievements in aviation. Notably, this is the same region where Chuck Yeager first broke the sound barrier in level flight with the X-1 aircraft in 1947.

Reaching an altitude of 35,290 feet, the XB-1’s flight was not just a symbolic moment—it was a critical test for several key technologies that will inform the development of Boom’s next-generation supersonic airliner, the Overture. This new aircraft is slated to fly in 2029 and will offer commercial supersonic travel at speeds up to Mach 1.7, servicing over 600 global routes with a capacity of 80 passengers.
During this flight, several cutting-edge technologies were put to the test, including an augmented reality vision system that enhances pilot visibility during takeoff and landing, despite the aircraft’s sharp needle nose. The aircraft also featured digitally optimized aerodynamics, ensuring stability at both supersonic and subsonic speeds.

Additionally, carbon composite materials were used in the aircraft’s construction, and custom-designed supersonic air intakes were developed for the Symphony turbofan engine—an innovation that Boom plans to expand into its product line.
Boom Supersonic’s Overture airliner will face limitations imposed by current FAA regulations, particularly the prohibition of commercial supersonic flights over U.S. soil due to concerns about sonic booms. However, the design of the Overture allows it to fly at Mach 0.94 over land—nearly 20% faster than conventional airliners—without generating disruptive sonic booms.

“It has been a privilege and a highlight of my career to be a part of the team that achieved this milestone—every single member of this team was critical to our success. Our discipline and methodical approach to this flight test program created the safety culture that made a safe and successful first supersonic flight possible. With the lessons learned from XB-1, we can continue to build the future of supersonic travel,” Brandenburg said.