Boom XB-1 reached 5th flight and Mach 0.69

The XB-1, Boom’s supersonic demonstrator aircraft, continues progressing toward supersonic speed. Beginning with a historic maiden flight on 22 March 2024, the aircraft is progressing through its flight test program to validate its performance and handling qualities, with approximately 10 subsonic flights planned before reaching supersonic speeds.

The XB-1 forms the basis for the design and development of the Overture, Boom’s supersonic passenger aircraft. The XB-1 uses state-of-the-art technologies to enable efficient supersonic flight including digitally optimized aerodynamics, carbon fiber composites, advanced supersonic engine intakes, and an augmented reality system for takeoff and landing visibility.

On 7 October 2024, the XB-1 took to the skies on its fifth flight from Mojave Air and Space Port, climbing to 17,800 feet in airspace R-2515. It was flown by chief test pilot Tristan “Geppetto” Brandenburg. The XB-1’s fifth successful flight marks the halfway mark of 10 planned subsonic test flights before breaking the sound barrier. This is the fastest, highest, and longest XB-1 flight to date.

Boom 5th flight key features

  • Max altitude: 17,800 ft
  • Speed: Mach 0.69 (324 KIAS)
  • Flight time: approximately 50 minutes
  • Pilot: Chief Test Pilot Tristan “Geppetto” Brandenburg
  • Key test points:
    • New top speed of Mach 0.69 (324 KIAS) achieved
    • Landing gear up right after takeoff
    • Continued testing of the flutter excitation system (FES) at Mach 0.6
    • Handling quality, flutter, and pacer checks at progressively higher speeds

Boom’s supersonic aircraft program is essential to the technological development of civil commercial air transport. It optimistically heralds the return of supersonic air travel for the first time since the grounding of Concorde in 2003.

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