Boom Supersonic, the company building the world’s fastest airliner, Overture, today announced it has completed several key milestones for XB-1, Boom’s technology demonstrator aircraft. XB-1 leverages 60 years of progress in airplane technologies like carbon fiber composites, advanced avionics, and digitally-optimized aerodynamics to enable sustainable supersonic travel.
The Journey So Far
The journey of the XB-1 has been nothing short of remarkable. In the realm of aviation, where innovation constantly pushes boundaries, Boom Supersonic has emerged as a pioneering force, and their latest achievement, the XB-1 technology demonstrator aircraft, marks a significant leap forward in the world of supersonic travel.
Earlier this year, the aircraft transitioned from Boom’s Centennial, Colorado hangar to the Mojave Air & Space Port in California, a pivotal move that marked the aircraft’s next phase of development. Since its arrival, rigorous ground testing, including recent taxi tests, has taken place, bringing the XB-1 closer to its historic first flight.
Regulatory Milestones
Blake Scholl, the visionary founder and CEO of Boom Supersonic, emphasizes that the strides made in advancing XB-1 toward its inaugural flight are a testament to the collective efforts of the entire team. The journey of building and flying the world’s first independently developed supersonic jet is a testament to their dedication and innovation.
A significant milestone on the path to flight was the awarding of an experimental airworthiness certificate from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) after a meticulous aircraft inspection.
This certification, coupled with letters of authorization for Chief Test Pilot Bill “Doc” Shoemaker and test pilot Tristan “Gepetto” Brandenburg to fly the XB-1, signifies a crucial step towards the realization of supersonic flight.
Honoring Aviation History
The XB-1’s first flight will be a momentous occasion taking place in the same airspace where historic achievements in aviation were realized.
This airspace holds the legacy of Captain Charles “Chuck” Yeager, who broke the sound barrier in the Bell X-1, and the iconic Mach 3+ SR-71 “Blackbird,” which took its inaugural flight in 1964.
The development of the XB-1 has been an invaluable learning experience for Boom Supersonic, leading to the establishment of a robust safety culture. The company’s test pilots have undergone extensive training, hours of simulator evaluations, and human factors assessments to ensure the highest levels of safety.
Using the T-38 trainer aircraft, which will also serve as a chase plane during XB-1’s flight tests, the test pilots hone their skills and practice formation flying, further enhancing flight safety.
The Mojave Connection
Bill “Doc” Shoemaker, Chief Test Pilot for Boom Supersonic, expresses the significance of the Mojave Air & Space Port in the XB-1’s journey. With a history of hosting pioneering aviation events, this location perfectly aligns with XB-1’s mission to make supersonic travel mainstream.
XB-1 boasts an impressive design, featuring a 71-foot-long carbon composite and titanium fuselage. Its unique ogive (modified delta) wing design ensures safe takeoff, landing, and supersonic flight capabilities. With three General Electric J85 engines producing a combined maximum thrust of 12,300 pounds of force (lbf), XB-1 is equipped for high-performance flight.
Paving the Way for Overture
The development of XB-1 serves as a testament to Boom’s design philosophy and technological prowess. The insights gained from this aircraft have been instrumental in refining the design of Overture, Boom’s sustainable supersonic airliner.
Overture is set to cruise at Mach 1.7, approximately twice the speed of today’s fastest airliners, while relying exclusively on 100% sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), making it a promising step towards a greener aviation future.