Boom Supersonic’s XB-1 supersonic demonstrator aircraft has taken to the air for the first time. According to the company, it uses the most advanced technologies to ensure efficient supersonic flight. These include composite carbon fibre, advanced avionics, optimized aerodynamics and an advanced supersonic propulsion system.
“Today, the XB-1 took flight in the same hallowed airspace where the Bell X-1 first broke the sound barrier in 1947,” said Boom Supersonic CEO Blake Scholl. – I have been looking forward to this flight since Boom was founded in 2014. It marks a major milestone in our journey to make supersonic travel accessible to passengers around the world.”
The aircraft was flown by Chief Test Pilot Bill Shoemaker, while Test Pilot Tristan Brandenburg flew the T-38 chase plane that followed the XB-1, testing its behaviour, flight data, and airworthiness. “It has been a privilege to share this journey with so many dedicated and talented professionals,” said Bill Shoemaker. “The experience we gained in reaching this milestone will be invaluable to the revival of supersonic travel.”
The company says the XB-1 met all test objectives, including safely and successfully reaching an altitude of nearly 2,200m and a speed of up to 273mph. While the aircraft was in the air, the team conducted an initial evaluation of the aircraft’s handling, including a speed check with a T-38 chase aircraft, as well as an assessment of the stability of the aircraft in the landing position.
The first flight of the XB-1 marks the return of a civilian supersonic aircraft to the skies after Concorde was retired some 20 years ago. This event paves the way for a revival of mass supersonic travel. Since the aircraft successfully completed its first flight, the team will extend the range to confirm its performance and controllability at speeds above Mach 1.
Meanwhile, the company says the Overture airliner is making steady progress toward production, with 130 orders and pre-orders already in the works from American Airlines, United Airlines and Japan Airlines. Overture will carry 64-80 passengers at Mach 1.7 and is designed to run on 100% sustainable jet fuel to be completely carbon neutral. The 61-meter Overture will be all-composite and have four engines. The engine, which Boom Supersonic is also working on, is called the Symphony and is a turbofan capable of 35,000 pounds of thrust. The factory where Overture will be produced is expected to be ready this year.
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