Boom XB-1 Completes 11th Flight, Nears Supersonic Goals
Boom Supersonic's XB-1 has completed its 11th test flight, reaching transonic speeds of Mach 0.95 and testing key supersonic parameters. The company aims to achieve its first supersonic flight soon, paving the way for its Overture passenger aircraft
Boom Supersonic reports that its XB-1 aircraft began 2025 with a successful flight, completing its 11th test mission on Friday, January 10, 2025. This milestone brings the project closer to its first supersonic flight.
Registered as N990XB, the XB-1 conducted ten additional test flights throughout 2024 at the Mojave Air and Space Port in California, according to Aeroin.
During the 44-minute flight on Friday, chief test pilot Tristan “Geppetto” Brandenburg flew the aircraft to an altitude of 29,481 feet. The XB-1 achieved a maximum transonic speed of Mach 0.95, exceeding the cruising speeds of most modern commercial aircraft. Transonic speed refers to a velocity range just below Mach 1, the threshold for supersonic travel.
The key objective of Flight 11 was to test dynamic pressure at 383 KEAS (knots equivalent airspeed), a level higher than what the aircraft will encounter during its initial supersonic flight. This marked the highest dynamic pressure the XB-1 is designed to experience, surpassing the pressure at Mach 1.1.
As an aircraft approaches supersonic speeds, dynamic pressure becomes critical. It measures the force exerted on the plane as it moves through the air, shaping its overall performance. “During flight tests, we carefully expand one parameter at a time—either Mach number or dynamic pressure—to ensure safe and accurate performance,” Boom explained. “The relationship between these numbers changes with altitude: faster and lower means greater dynamic pressure, and vice versa.”
Following a thorough analysis of the performance data and handling characteristics from Flight 11, Boom’s team will decide if another test flight is required before taking the XB-1 to supersonic speeds.
Blake Scholl, founder and CEO of Boom, commented: “We’ve successfully completed all aerodynamic test points to push the XB-1 beyond Mach 1! We had some issues with the GPS and radio. The team is considering one more subsonic flight to resolve this before the boom.”
The XB-1 is the prototype for Overture, Boom’s planned supersonic passenger aircraft. Its design incorporates advanced technologies, including digitally optimized aerodynamics, carbon fiber composites, advanced supersonic engine inlets, and an augmented reality vision system to enhance visibility during takeoff and landing.
Editor en Aviacionline. Especializado en Aviación Comercial / Aviación en Argentina. 45 años de periodista, y contando.
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