Boom Supersonic, an aviation company, is working on a huge project: creating the XB-1, the world’s first supersonic jet developed independently. This jet will use advanced technology like lightweight materials, modern electronics, and improved aerodynamics for eco-friendly supersonic travel.
The XB-1, featured on the company’s website, has remarkable features. It has a 71-foot-long body made of strong materials like carbon composites and titanium. It’s powered by three General Electric J85 engines that together produce a force of 12,300 pounds.
Initially developed in Centennial, Colorado, the plane was later moved to the Mojave Air & Space Port in California. There, it underwent extensive ground tests including taxi tests before being prepared for its first flight.
“The recent progress made towards XB-1’s first flight reflects the team’s collective efforts to build and safely fly the world’s first independently developed supersonic jet,” said in the statement Blake Scholl, Boom Supersonic’s founder and CEO.
According to Blake Scholl, the founder and CEO of Boom Supersonic, the progress made in achieving the first flight of XB-1 reflects the team’s hard work in building the first self-developed supersonic jet.
Recently, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) thoroughly inspected the aircraft and awarded Boom Supersonic an experimental airworthiness certificate. This achievement, along with other permissions, allows the Chief Test Pilot Bill “Doc” Shoemaker and test pilot Tristan “Gepetto” Brandenburg to fly the XB-1 for the first time over the Mojave desert. This area holds historical significance for aviation achievements.
Safety is a top priority for Boom Supersonic, with pilots undergoing extensive simulator training before their historic flights.
“It’s fitting that XB-1 is now progressing toward first flight at the Mojave Air & Space Port, home to more than 50 first flights and other significant aviation events,” said Shoemaker, Chief Test Pilot for Boom Supersonic.
“I’m looking forward to flying XB-1 here, building on the achievements of other talented engineers and pilots who inspire us every day to make supersonic travel mainstream.”
XB-1’s progress towards its first flight at the Mojave Air & Space Port is noteworthy, as the location has been associated with significant aviation events.
More importantly, XB-1 sets the foundation for Boom Supersonic’s Overture, a sustainable supersonic airliner. Overture will use 100 percent sustainable aviation fuel, carry 65-80 passengers, and travel at Mach 1.7, twice the speed of current airliners.
Although Virgin Group opted not to buy the aircraft, other airlines like American Airlines, United Airlines, and Japan Airlines have expressed interest and ordered a total of 130 planes.
Boom Supersonic is also discussing potential government and defense applications of Overture with Northrop Grumman and has the support of various companies and the United States Air Force.
Both XB-1 and Overture have the potential to revolutionize air travel, ushering in a new era of aviation.
