XB-1, continues to progress toward Mach 1. Beginning with XB-1’s historic first flight on March 22, 2024, Boom’s demonstrator aircraft is advancing through its flight test program to confirm its performance and handling qualities, with approximately 10 subsonic flights planned before reaching supersonic speeds.
XB-1 provides the foundation for the design and development of Overture, Boom’s supersonic airliner. XB-1 leverages state-of-the-art technologies to enable efficient supersonic flight including digitally-optimized aerodynamics, carbon fiber composites, advanced supersonic engine intakes, and an augmented reality vision system for takeoff and landing visibility.
Here, we’ll be sharing updates throughout the XB-1 flight test program to keep you up to speed with the aircraft’s progress toward supersonic flight.
September 2024: XB-1 Flight Four
- Max altitude: 16,150 ft
- Speed: Mach 0.617 (313 KIAS)
- Flight time: approximately 48 minutes
- Pilot: Chief Test Pilot Tristan “Geppetto” Brandenburg
- Key test points:
- New top speed of Mach 0.617 achieved
- First use of the flutter excitation system (FES) in flight
- Handling quality checks between 225 and 300 knots
- Applied elevated g-forces of 2.78g in preparation for supersonic flight
- Landing gear extended and retracted at 225 knots (max safe speed)
