XB-1 Takes Flight
The first flight of XB-1 marks the return of a civil supersonic aircraft to the skies, two decades after Concorde’s retirement.
XB-1 Sets the Foundation for Overture
The XB-1 program provides the foundation for the design and development of Overture, while establishing a safety-first culture in engineering and manufacturing.
XB-1 Program Developments
First Flight Up‑Close
Fully meeting its objectives, XB-1 safely and successfully achieved an altitude of 7,120 feet and speeds up to 238 knots (273 mph).
238 KTS
(273 mph) MAX AIR SPEED
12 MIN
Time in air
7,120 FT
Altitude
62.6 FT
Nose to tail
12.3K
Lbs of thrust
First
Independently developed
Supersonic jet
Together as One
Meet the team that built the world’s first independently developed supersonic jet.
“Today, XB-1 took flight in the same hallowed airspace where the Bell X-1 first broke the sound barrier in 1947. I’ve been looking forward to this flight since founding Boom in 2014, and it marks the most significant milestone yet on our path to bring supersonic travel to passengers worldwide.”
Blake Scholl
FOUNDER & CEO
Bill ‘Doc’ Shoemaker
For Chief Test Pilot, Bill “Doc” Shoemaker, the road to Boom and XB-1 encompassed graduate study in Aeronautics and Astronautics, military service, and the first flight of several prototype aircraft as a civilian test pilot. A former U.S. naval aviator, he’s a graduate of the United States Naval Test Pilot School who has flown more than 5,000 flight hours in 50 aircraft types, including the first flight of the Block II Super Hornet.
“Everyone on the XB-1 team should be incredibly proud of this achievement. It has been a privilege to share this journey with so many dedicated and talented professionals. The experience we have gained in reaching this milestone will be invaluable to Boom’s revival of supersonic travel.”
Bill ‘Doc’ Shoemaker
Chief Test Pilot
Tristan ‘Geppetto’ Brandenburg
Geppetto is a graduate of the United States Naval Test Pilot School and TOPGUN Adversary. He has completed 2500 total flight hours in 30 different aircraft and executed over 200 carrier arrested landings. He tested new systems on the F/A18 Super Hornet before they were released to the fleet. Gepetto will be at the controls for XB-1’s maiden supersonic flight.
“Being in the air with XB-1 during its maiden flight is a moment I will never forget. The team has been working hard to get to this point, and seeing today’s flight through mission completion is a huge accomplishment for all of us.”
Tristan ‘Geppetto’ Brandenburg
TEST PILOT
“The most rewarding aspect of my role is seeing XB-1 grow out of nothing more than an idea into what’s almost a living, breathing thing. Testing XB-1’s systems, first individually and then together as an integrated vehicle, is like breathing life into an elegant, albeit very complex machine. It’s my life’s passion.”
Nick Sheryka
CHIEF FLIGHT TEST ENGINEER, XB-1
Returning Civil Supersonic Flight to The Skies
Two decades after Concorde’s retirement, the first flight of XB-1 marks the return of a civil supersonic aircraft to the skies and paves the way for the return of mainstream supersonic travel onboard Overture, Boom’s sustainable supersonic airliner.
“Boom Supersonic is the first civil business entity to create its own X-plane, a supersonic demonstrator. This milestone is on the critical path to deliver Overture, the first supersonic transport aircraft to enter service in over half a century. It is such an exciting time to be involved!”
Ric Parker
Chair of Singapore Aerospace Programme, former Rolls-Royce CTO and Boom Advisory Council member
“I’ve been waiting over 20 years for an environmentally friendly successor to Concorde and XB-1’s first flight is a major landmark towards my dreams being realized. When I last flew Concorde in 2003 I knew that this day would come. The first flight of the XB-1 supersonic demonstrator is a significant achievement toward making sustainable supersonic flight a reality, aboard Overture – my #1 choice as the successor to Concorde.
Congratulations to Blake Scholl, all at Boom and especially its pilot, Bill “Doc” Shoemaker. Having been Concorde’s Chief Pilot I envy his role in this exciting return towards mainstream supersonic flight.”Captain Mike Bannister
former Chief Concorde Pilot for British Airways
“Boom Supersonic’s remarkable achievements are a testament to the power of dreaming and doing. Like Sir Frank Whittle, Blake and Boom, achieved what others tried and no other could with XB-1. Congratulations to the XB-1 team, including Chief Test Pilot, Bill “Doc” Shoemaker! The National Aeronautic Association looks forward to celebrating your milestones in the historic fashion of the shoulders on which we all stand.”
Amy Spowart
President & CEO of The National Aeronautical Association