Boom Supersonic made headlines with its recent successful test flight of the XB-1 jet, achieving a significant milestone in aviation history. The XB-1, which is a precursor to the company’s planned Overture supersonic airliner, broke the sound barrier on its test run in California, a feat that has raised excitement about the potential return of supersonic travel for commercial passengers. The jet, which is 71 feet long and powered by three J85-15 engines, reached speeds exceeding Mach 1. The test flight took off from an airstrip in northeastern California and lasted about 15 minutes, climbing to an altitude of approximately 10,000 feet before descending and landing safely. Blake Scholl, CEO of Boom Supersonic, commented, “This flight is a critical step toward bringing supersonic flight back to the skies, and we’re on the path to delivering a sustainable, high-speed travel experience.” The company envisions its Overture model, which aims to carry 65 to 88 passengers, to fly at speeds of Mach 1.7, significantly cutting travel times over oceans. Despite challenges such as environmental concerns and regulations imposed by the FAA, the success of the XB-1 flight has reignited interest and optimism in the future of supersonic air travel. Boom plans to conduct additional flights of the XB-1 and hopes to introduce the Overture to the market by 2029, all while focusing on sustainability, aiming to run on 100% sustainable aviation fuel. This marks a major move not just for Boom Supersonic, but for the aviation industry as it looks towards a more rapid and eco-friendly future.
Boom Supersonic’s XB-1 Jet Breaks Sound Barrier in Historic Test Flight
