Boom Supersonic XB-1 Breaks the Sound Barrier for the First Time

Boom Supersonic XB-1 demonstrator has officially become the first manned civilian aircraft to break the sound barrier since Concorde’s retirement. The groundbreaking flight took place on January 28, 2025, at Mojave Air and Space Port (MHV), California, marking a significant achievement in the pursuit of commercial supersonic travel.

The XB-1 took off at 8:22 AM local time and proceeded towards a designated airspace over the Mojave Desert, which had been previously approved by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for the test. The aircraft was piloted by Tristan “Geppetto” Brandenburg, a seasoned test pilot with a background as a naval aviator and a graduate of the United States Naval Test Pilot School.

Approximately 11 minutes and 30 seconds after takeoff, the XB-1 achieved supersonic speed. It was accompanied by two chase aircraft—a Dassault Mirage F1 and a Northrop T-38 Talon—both equipped with high-definition cameras and data-collecting equipment to document the historic flight.

This was the 12th test flight for the XB-1 from Mojave, and during the mission, it reached supersonic speeds three times before returning to its departure point. The aircraft landed at 8:55 AM local time, completing a flight duration of just over 33 minutes.

The momentous flight was broadcast live on multiple social media platforms and became the most tracked flight worldwide on Flightradar24. Boom Supersonic aims to revolutionize air travel with the development of its Overture supersonic airliner, designed to carry 64 to 80 passengers over distances of up to 4,250 nautical miles (7,867 km) at a cruising speed of Mach 1.7.

With an order book boasting 130 aircraft, Boom Supersonic has already secured commitments and pre-orders from major airlines, including American Airlines, Japan Airlines, and United Airlines.

The Evolution of Boom Supersonic’s XB-1

XB-1 Sound Barrier — Photo by ***Boom Supersonic***

The XB-1, also known as “Baby Boom,” serves as a one-third-scale demonstrator for Boom Technology’s ambitious supersonic transport project, the Overture. Designed to reach speeds of Mach 2.2 with a range of over 1,000 nautical miles (1,900 km), the XB-1 is powered by three General Electric CJ610 engines.

Originally unveiled in Denver, Colorado, on November 15, 2016, the XB-1’s development has seen multiple milestones and revisions. While initial plans targeted a first subsonic flight in 2017, various technical challenges and improvements led to timeline adjustments. By 2018, the aerodynamic design was completed, and by 2020, the aircraft had undergone extensive wind tunnel testing and structural assessments.

Testing and Development Timeline

October 7, 2020: XB-1 was officially rolled out with an expected first flight in 2021.

2021-2022: Extensive ground testing, including engine run-ups and taxi tests.
August 2023: FAA granted experimental airworthiness certification.
November 2023: Medium-speed taxi tests reached 94 knots.

March 22, 2024: First flight test conducted by Chief Test Pilot Bill Shoemaker.
April 16, 2024: FAA issued a special license for supersonic flight at Black Mountain Supersonic Corridor.
August 26, 2024: Second test flight completed, piloted by Tristan Brandenburg.

November 21, 2024: XB-1 completed its eighth subsonic test flight, reaching Mach 0.82.
January 28, 2025: First supersonic test flight, achieving Mach 1.13.

During the latest test, the XB-1 successfully went supersonic three times, though the second supersonic run was aborted for undisclosed reasons. Future flights in 2025 are planned to further refine the aircraft’s design and expand its flight envelope.

Featured image by Boom Supersonic

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