Boom Supersonic’s XB-1 ‘Baby Boom’ demonstrator aircraft has recorded its fastest ever speed during its fourth test flight signaling further progression towards its quest to reach Mach 1.
Boom Supersonic’s XB-1 is paving the way for the developer’s full-size Overture aircraft by gathering invaluable data and testing state-of-the-art technologies.
According to Boom Supersonic, XB-1 reached a new top speed of Mach 0.617, more than halfway to breaking the sound barrier.
XB-1 completed the record-breaking flight on September 21, 2024, just eight days after its third test flight, in which the developer deployed some new technology for the first time.
“This flight marks the first use of the flutter excitation system (FES) in flight. The FES is a vibration device that we can turn on in order to hit structural vibration modes deliberately before we would encounter them naturally in flight,” a spokesperson for Boom Supersonic said.
Using a flight test technique called a wind up turn, Boom Supersonic took XB-1 up to 2.78g (or g-force).
“When we get to supersonic flight, XB-1 will have to clear a turn at 2g to line up for the supersonic run – the team is testing the aircraft with an extra margin to increase safety,” Boom Supersonic said.
Boom supersonic’s Chief Test Pilot, Tristan Brandenburg, took XB-1 to a maximum altitude of 16,150 feet during the test and recorded a total flight time of 48 minutes.
XB-1 successfully completed its 4th–and fastest–test flight today. Here’s a view from the T-38 chase plane keeping up with XB-1, which reached a max speed of Mach 0.617 (313 KIAS)–more than halfway to breaking the sound barrier at Mach 1.
— Boom Supersonic (@boomaero) September 21, 2024
Read more: https://t.co/6sJqOqCBWn pic.twitter.com/aSa0s5JH3c
Footage of XB-1 in flight was captured by Boom Supersonic’s T-38 chase plane which shadows the aircraft during tests.
Brandenburg, who flew the second and third flights of XB-1, will also pilot the aircraft’s first supersonic flight.
Boom Supersonic also completed landing gear tests by retracting the system at a max speed of 225 knots. During future test flights, the team will retract the landing gear immediately after takeoff.
The XB-1 serves as a demonstrator for Boom’s upcoming Overture airliner. The supersonic passenger jet is poised to seat between 64 and 80 passengers and fly up to 4,250 nautical miles (7,867 kilometers) at a cruising speed of Mach 1.7.
American Airlines, United Airlines, and Japan Airlines have all placed pre-orders for Overture which will run on up to 100% sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).