On August 26, Boom Supersonic’s supersonic demonstrator XB-1 successfully completed its second flight from Mojave Air & Space Port in California. After its historic first flight in March 2024, XB-1 by Boom Supersonic continues progressing through its flight test program, aiming for supersonic flight by the end of the year. This program provides the foundation for the design and development of Boom’s Overture, the supersonic airliner.
During this flight, the landing gear of Boom Supersonic’s XB-1 was successfully retracted and extended for the first time, which is typical of second test flights. Additional goals for this test were for the XB-1 team to evaluate the aircraft’s behavior and handling quality, and for the first time, activate a new digital stability augmentation system. This system was implemented to improve handling qualities based on results from the first flight.
In addition, tufting was applied to the right wing of the XB-1 to observe and evaluate the direction and strength of airflow across the wing, verifying its aerodynamic characteristics. XB-1 by Boom Supersonic flew for about 15 minutes, reaching an altitude of 10,400 feet and speeds of 232 knots (277 mph).
“XB-1 had a fantastic second flight this morning. Initial results indicate that we successfully addressed the findings from Flight One, and we’re excited to continue flight testing on the road to supersonic flight”, said Blake Scholl, founder and CEO of Boom Supersonic. “I’m proud of the team. Today’s flight is another step toward bringing back supersonic passenger travel.”
This was the first flight in the XB-1 for Boom’s chief test pilot Tristan “Geppetto” Brandenburg, who had piloted the chase T-38 aircraft during XB-1’s inaugural flight. Tristan Brandenburg is the pilot who will be in command for the remainder of the test program, including when XB-1 achieves its first supersonic flight.
Now that XB-1 has successfully completed its first two flights, the team will begin systematically expanding the flight envelope to confirm its performance and handling qualities through and beyond Mach 1. This will include in-flight checks of all systems, as well as more test flights to ensure a safe margin in aeroelastic vibration. The sequencing of test flights will increase through this next phase, with about 10 flights planned before reaching supersonic speeds.
A few weeks after XB-1’s inaugural flight, Boom also secured its first Special Flight Authorization (SFA) to exceed Mach 1 from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). XB-1 test flights will continue to be conducted in the R-2508 complex, and supersonic operations will take place in the Black Mountain supersonic corridor and a section of the Bell X-1 supersonic corridor within R-2515 airspace, which has been extensively used for military supersonic research and operations.
As mentioned, XB-1 provides the foundation for the design and development of Boom’s supersonic airliner, Overture. XB-1 leverages cutting-edge technologies to enable efficient supersonic flight, including digitally optimized aerodynamics, carbon-fiber composites, advanced supersonic engine intakes, and an augmented reality vision system for improved visibility during takeoff and landing.
XB-1 by Boom Supersonic features a carbon and titanium composite fuselage that measures 71 feet in length. Its delta wing allows for safe operation during takeoff, landing, and at supersonic speeds. The three General Electric J85 engines powering the XB-1 produce a combined maximum thrust of 12,300 pounds.
Two decades after the retirement of the Concorde, the first flight of the XB-1 marks the return of a civilian supersonic aircraft to the skies and paves the way for the revival of traditional supersonic travel aboard Overture, Boom’s future sustainable supersonic airliner. Overture will carry 64-80 passengers at Mach 1.7, about twice the speed of current subsonic airliners. Optimized for speed, safety, and sustainability, Overture is designed to operate on up to 100% sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).