The XB-1 demonstrator from Boom Supersonic has achieved a groundbreaking milestone by becoming the first commercial aircraft to exceed the sound barrier over California’s Mojave Desert.
This American startup’s aircraft made this historic leap during its twelfth test flight, surpassing Mach 1 and sustaining supersonic speed for approximately four minutes, reaching a peak of Mach 1.1. Test pilot Tristan Brandenburg successfully broke the sound barrier not once but twice more before he was instructed to return the XB-1 to the Mojave Air & Space Port.
This supersonic flight comes after eight years since Boom first unveiled the XB-1, which is a smaller, approximately one-third scale prototype of the 64-passenger airliner they plan to develop, named Overture.
In a post on X over the weekend, Boom CEO Blake Scholl emphasized that “[m]uch work remains to scale up to Overture,” which includes igniting the Overture’s engine for the first time, a goal Boom aims to achieve later this year.
Should the company succeed in its plans, Overture already has prospective customers lined up: American Airlines and Japan Airlines have both placed orders for the anticipated supersonic aircraft.
Brandenburg safely landed the XB-1 just prior to noon ET. Boom has indicated that a second supersonic test flight may take place within the next week or two.
“[T]his is supersonic flight’s ‘Falcon 1’ moment,” Scholl expressed over the weekend, drawing a parallel to SpaceX’s first rocket reaching orbit in 2008.
Scholl further remarked that “XB-1’s supersonic flight signifies the inaugural instance of a supersonic jet emerging from a non-governmental entity.” The Concorde, which was retired in 2003, was a collaborative effort between the governments of Great Britain and France.
Before the flight, Scholl engaged in a conversation with TechCrunch editor-in-chief Connie Loizos on the StrictlyVC Download podcast.
“I believe what we need is a revival of entrepreneurial spirit in commercial aviation,” he stated. “We need more companies like Boom, pushing boundaries with innovative ideas.”
Several other companies are delving into the development of supersonic aircraft, though many are oriented towards defense purposes. Additionally, Exosonic, one of the few focused on commercial supersonic aviation, ceased operations in November.
In the interview, Scholl remarked on the isolation of Boom being nearly the sole startup venturing into commercial supersonic aircraft, stating it has been “honestly a little lonely.”
However, Scholl expressed satisfaction that Boom’s primary concentration has been on commercial rather than military applications, despite the flourishing field of military technology.
“I’m pleased to see startups in the defense sector; they have an essential role,” Scholl said. “Yet, creating something akin to a hypersonic weapon vastly differs from developing an aircraft that everyday passengers can board, and this distinct mission deserves its own attention.”
While Boom is collaborating with the U.S. Air Force, Scholl reaffirmed his commitment to making supersonic passenger travel a reality once more.
“This is about creating American jobs, leading aviation innovation, building the future, and enhancing human connectivity across cultures,” he concluded. “I believe there’s a lot here for everyone to be excited about.”
Compiled by Techarena.au.
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