XB-1 to Mach 1
The XB-1 flight test program continues to speed up, progressing toward supersonic flight.
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
Inside Look at XB-1’s Flight Test Program
XB-1 Chief Flight Test Engineer Nick Sheryka speaks to Boom’s progressive approach to flight testing, which is rooted in the idea that safety is the ultimate mission.
XB-1 First Flight
The inaugural flight of Boom’s supersonic demonstrator aircraft marks a major milestone toward the return of supersonic travel.
First Flight by the Numbers
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
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. Geppetto piloted XB-1’s second flight, and will be at the controls for its first 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
Chief 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
