On January 28, 2025, Boom Supersonic achieved a historic milestone as its XB-1 test aircraft broke the sound barrier, reaching Mach 1.122 (652 KTAS) at 35,290 feet over the Mojave Desert. This marks the first time an independently developed jet has surpassed Mach 1, a feat previously accomplished only by government or military programmes.
During its 12th test flight, Chief Test Pilot Tristan “Geppetto” Brandenburg successfully piloted XB-1 through the Bell X-1 and Black Mountain Supersonic Corridors in a 34-minute flight. This follows 11 prior test flights that progressively expanded the aircraft’s subsonic, transonic, and supersonic capabilities.
Boom Supersonic’s CEO Blake Scholl emphasized that XB-1’s success demonstrates that commercial supersonic flight is within reach. Next step: Scaling this technology for the Overture supersonic airliner, designed to revolutionise passenger air travel.
“This achievement is the result of a dedicated team pushing the boundaries of aviation,” said Brandenburg. With safety and precision at the core of testing, lessons from XB-1’s historic flight will shape the development of next-generation supersonic travel.
Missed the flight? |
This post was published on 29 January 2025 22:54
Frankfurt Airport handled 6.1 million passengers in September 2026, up 1.6% year on year, supported…
Cirium forecasts around 43,000 commercial passenger and freighter aircraft deliveries between 2026 and 2045, worth…
ICAO has joined the Supporting Alliance for CORSIA EEU Supply, strengthening efforts to increase the…
Nuremberg Airport temporarily suspended operations on Tuesday, 13 October, after an emergency alert involving a…
Norwegian airport operator Avinor handled almost five million passengers in September, up 1.2% year on…
Finnair has raised its full-year 2026 guidance after stronger-than-expected travel demand supported its performance despite…