Boom Supersonic's XB-1 Breaks the Sound Barrier in Historic Test Flight
Boom Supersonic’s XB-1 prototype jet successfully broke the sound barrier during a historic test flight, marking a significant milestone in the development of supersonic passenger travel. The test flight took place above the Mojave Desert in California, where the aircraft reached an altitude of 34,000 feet and accelerated to Mach 1.1 (770 mph), exceeding the speed of sound. This achievement paves the way for the company’s planned commercial supersonic jet, Overture, which aims to revive supersonic passenger flights for the first time since the retirement of the Concorde in 2003.
The XB-1, a subscale demonstrator, is designed to test technologies that will be incorporated into the larger Overture aircraft. Boom Supersonic, based in Colorado, has conducted 12 test flights to date, with each flight pushing the boundaries of speed and performance. The company’s founder and CEO, Blake Scholl, described the event as a pivotal moment for supersonic aviation, likening it to SpaceX’s Falcon 1 launch in 2008.
The test flight was livestreamed using SpaceX’s Starlink satellite internet service, providing real-time views from a chase aircraft. While the event faced initial technical issues with the livestream, these were resolved, allowing viewers to witness the historic moment. The successful test brings Boom Supersonic closer to its goal of launching Overture, a 64-seat supersonic passenger jet, within the next few years. However, challenges remain, and the company acknowledges that success is not guaranteed. The achievement nonetheless represents a significant step forward in the quest to bring back supersonic commercial travel.
Boom Supersonic to break sound barrier during historic test flight today: Watch live
Boom Supersonic's XB-1 test vehicle is scheduled to lift off today (Jan. 28) at 11 a.m. EST (1600 GMT).
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