Boom Supersonic is on track to break the sound barrier in an upcoming flight after the XB-1 aircraft reached speeds close to Mach 1 in its latest test.
The belly of the XB-1 aircraft during the 11th test flight. Photo: Boom Supersonic
Boom Supersonic is one step closer to putting Concorde’s supersonic successor into service. The company’s XB-1 prototype reached a subsonic speed of Mach 0.95 (1,173 km/h) during its 11th test flight on January 10, 2025. The test flight took place above the Mojave Desert in California, according to Interesting Engineering.
Boom Supersonic was founded in 2014. The company’s goal is to carry commercial passengers at speeds of Mach 2.2 (2,716 km), allowing for significant reductions in flight times, such as from New York to London in about 3 hours . A new technology will help Boom reduce noise and impact on residential areas. Currently, the company has completed 11 test flights and is approaching supersonic speed. The latest flight lasted 44 minutes, reaching an altitude of 8,986 m. Company test pilot Tristan “Geppetto” Brandenburg piloted the XB-1 experimental aircraft, which reached subsonic speeds during the flight.
According to Boom Supersonic, the subsonic speed is only slightly lower than Mach 1 (1,235 km/h), close to the point where the XB-1 experiences the highest dynamic pressure the aircraft will have to overcome. The XB-1 is smaller than the Overture supersonic aircraft that Boom Supersonic will use to carry commercial passengers. This vehicle is designed to test the company’s technology.
Boom Supersonic said the basic purpose of the test flight is that the XB-1 will need to endure greater dynamic pressure than the aircraft experiences when flying at Mach 1.1 (1,358 km/h). The company will review the 11th test flight data and decide whether another subsonic flight is needed. Otherwise, on the next flight, the XB-1 will fly at supersonic speed. According to Boom Supersonic, the XB-1 is on track to break the sound barrier as early as 2025.
In December 2022, Boom Supersonic announced the development of its own motor. Previously, they cooperated with Rolls-Royce to build supersonic passenger aircraft engines.
The last Concorde flew more than 20 years ago. When it was first introduced in 1969, Concorde was seen as the future of commercial aviation. Ultimately, this supersonic airliner model is not economically viable because it is too expensive to operate. A tragic accident in 2003 officially marked the end of luxury high-speed aviation technology.
Boom Supersonic isn’t the only company looking to revive supersonic aviation. Space Transportation Company in Beijing recently tested a Yunxing aircraft prototype that can reach speeds of Mach 4 (4,939 km/h), twice as fast as Concorde. Meanwhile, NASA is developing the experimental silent supersonic aircraft X-59.