One Step Closer to Supersonic Flight
With two successful flights this month, XB-1, Boom’s supersonic demonstrator aircraft, is progressing towards breaking the sound barrier. Simultaneously, Boom continues to advance work for Overture including the installation of key equipment at the Overture Superfactory, and initial production of test fuselage panels in partnership with Leonardo.
Approaching Supersonic: XB-1 Completes Critical System Testing
XB-1’s fifth flight, conducted on October 7 from Mojave Air & Space Port, represented a crucial benchmark in Boom’s test program. Chief Test Pilot Tristan “Geppetto” Brandenburg took XB-1 to a new top speed of Mach 0.69 (428 knots true airspeed) and an altitude of 17,800 feet. This marked the aircraft’s highest, fastest, and longest flight to date, and it reached the halfway point of its planned subsonic test flights.
On October 25, XB-1 completed its sixth flight. Central to this achievement was the successful use of the flutter excitation system (FES), which intentionally induces vibrations to test structural resilience at high speeds, assuring engineers of XB-1’s stability as it approaches transonic flight.
XB-1 Paves the Way for Overture’s High-Speed Passenger Vision
Boom’s achievements with XB-1 are not only pivotal for the demonstrator aircraft itself but also foundational for Overture. Insights and data gathered through XB-1’s flights directly inform the safety and efficiency features of Overture, which is set to carry 64-80 passengers at twice the speeds of today’s subsonic passenger planes. Learn more from Jeff Mabry, VP of XB-1, who shares how this approach allows Boom to methodically validate technology and safety measures essential for the high-speed commercial passenger travel for Overture.
Overture Progress
While XB-1’s flight testing progresses, the groundwork for Overture is taking shape. The Overture Superfactory in North Carolina installed a 15 ton crane, marking one of the first major pieces of equipment ready for Overture’s assembly line.
Leonardo, a prominent aerospace partner, has also begun fabricating test panels for the Overture fuselage. These will be cut into lots of small “coupons” to generate test data we’ll use to calibrate Overture fuselage design.
Looking Ahead: Preparing for Supersonic History
Boom is targeting the end of the year to complete XB-1’s historic march toward the first independently developed supersonic plane. With ongoing progress and support from our partners, Boom is closer than ever to reintroducing supersonic travel to the skies.
Featured News
Interesting Engineering: Photos: Boom’s XB-1 supersonic prototype sets new speed record at 17,800 feet
Simple Flying: Boom Supersonic Completes XB-1 5th Flight With Speeds Of Mach 0.69
