In a significant milestone for aviation technology, Boom Supersonic‘s experimental aircraft, the XB-1, has once again broken the sound barrier, marking the conclusion of its test campaign. This achievement not only signifies a leap in the development of supersonic flight but also sets the stage for the next phase in Boom Supersonic’s ambitious plans.
The XB-1, often referred to as a “baby boom” due to its smaller size compared to its future commercial counterparts, took to the skies for its last flight on February 10, 2025. Piloted by Boom’s Chief Test Pilot, Tristan Brandenburg, the aircraft successfully exceeded the speed of sound, reaching up to Mach 1.18, or approximately 1,243 km/h, during its 13th and final test flight. This flight was not just about speed; it also set new records for altitude, reaching up to 36,514 feet.
The test flight, which lasted around 41 minutes, was live-streamed over the internet, allowing aviation enthusiasts and the curious public alike to witness this historic moment from the Mojave Air & Space Port in California.
This was the second and last time the XB-1 would break the sound barrier during its test phase, having first achieved this feat on January 28 of the same year. Following this successful test, the XB-1 will be retired to Boom’s headquarters in Denver, Colorado. Here, the focus will shift entirely towards the development of their next project – the Overture, a supersonic passenger jet.
The Overture is envisioned to be much more than a test vehicle. It’s designed to be a commercial airliner capable of carrying 64 to 80 passengers across the globe at twice the speed of today’s commercial jets. With plans for the Overture to cruise at Mach 1.7, Boom Supersonic aims to revive the era of supersonic travel for the masses, a sector dormant since the retirement of the Concorde in 2003.
The XB-1 served as a critical pathfinder for the Overture, testing out technologies and aerodynamics necessary for sustained high-speed flight. It was the first civilian supersonic aircraft built in the United States, showcasing innovations like a unique wing shape and cutting-edge materials to manage the stresses of supersonic travel.
Boom Supersonic’s CEO, Blake Scholl, expressed a mix of pride and nostalgia regarding the XB-1’s journey. “This is the last time she flies,” Scholl stated during the live broadcast, highlighting the bittersweet moment of moving on from one project to start another.
The development of the Overture comes at a time when there is growing interest in reducing travel time while also addressing environmental concerns. Boom has pledged that the Overture will operate on up to 100% sustainable aviation fuel, aiming for a carbon-neutral footprint.
This latest achievement with the XB-1 not only underscores Boom’s commitment to bringing back supersonic travel but also raises anticipation for what the Overture might bring to the future of air travel. As the company transitions from testing to development, all eyes will be on how they manage to balance speed, sustainability, and commercial viability in the skies.