Supersonic prototype XB-1 completes second flight

Boom Supersonic has completed the second test flight of its XB-1 supersonic demonstrator. On August 26, 2024, the prototype took off for a 15-minute flight in Mojave, California, with chief test pilot Tristan Brandenburg at the controls.

The latest test follows the maiden flight on March 22, 2024, and is part of a gradual expansion of the XB-1’s capabilities in the lead-up to its first supersonic flight. Taking off from Mojave Air & Space Port, the aircraft reached an altitude of 10,400 feet (3,170 m) and a speed of 232 knots (277 mph, 445 km/h).

The test checklist included extending and retracting the landing gear for the first time, checking the aircraft’s handling, and activating a new digital stability augmentation system for roll damping to maintain control during stalls. In addition, the XB-1’s right wing was fitted with padding to monitor the direction and strength of airflow over the wing.

The purpose of the XB-1 is to provide data for Boom’s Overture supersonic aircraft, intended as a 21st century successor to the retired Concorde, but this time commercially viable and with a fuselage design that turns the infamous sonic boom into a sonic boom. This would allow Overture to operate over land routes in the United States. The aircraft will also feature digitally optimized aerodynamics, carbon composites, advanced supersonic engine inlets, and an augmented reality vision system for visibility during takeoff and landing.

Boom said flight testing of the XB-1 will continue with about 10 flights at higher altitudes and speeds to check all systems and ensure the aircraft’s safety as it enters the transonic and supersonic ranges. Once the aircraft reaches supersonic speeds, testing will be conducted in the Black Mountain Supersonic Corridor at Edwards Air Force Base in California.

“XB-1 had a fantastic second flight this morning,” said Blake Scholl, founder and CEO of Boom Supersonic. “Early results indicate we have successfully resolved the issues from Flight One and we look forward to continuing flight testing on the path to supersonic flight. I am proud of the team. Today’s flight is another step toward the return of supersonic passenger travel.”

Source: Boom Supersonic