PREVIEW

The return of supersonic civil aviation took a major step forward this month as Boom Supersonic’s XB-1 demonstrator aircraft completed its second test flight on 26 August 2024.

The flight, at the Mojave Air and Space Port in California, followed its inaugural mission in March and keeps the aircraft on track to go supersonic by the end of 2024.

The XB-1 project is critical to the development of Boom’s supersonic airliner, Overture, and is instrumental in fostering a safety-first culture within the company.

In this flight, the landing gear was retracted and extended for the first time, a routine procedure for a second test flight.

Additionally, the aircraft's handling qualities were assessed, and a new digital stability augmentation system, known as a roll damper, was activated for the first time. This system was introduced to enhance handling, building on insights gained from the initial flight.

The XB-1’s right wing was tufted— a technique used to observe and evaluate airflow across the wing, verifying its aerodynamic characteristics. The aircraft flew for approximately 15 minutes, reaching an altitude of 10,400 feet and a speed of 232 knots (277 mph).

“XB-1 had a fantastic second flight this morning. Initial results indicate we’ve successfully resolved the findings from Flight One and are excited to continue flight testing on the path to supersonic flight,” said Blake Scholl, founder and CEO of Boom Supersonic. “I’m proud of the team. Today’s flight is another step toward the return of supersonic passenger travel.”

This flight also marked the first time Boom’s Chief Test Pilot, Tristan “Geppetto” Brandenburg, took control of the XB-1. Brandenburg, who piloted the T-38 chase plane during the inaugural flight, will lead the remainder of the test programme, including the first supersonic flight.
With two successful flights now completed, the team will conduct further tests to confirm the aircraft’s performance and handling through and beyond Mach 1. About 10 flights are planned before the XB-1 reaches supersonic speeds.
Just weeks after the inaugural flight, Boom secured the first-ever Special Flight Authorisation (SFA) to exceed Mach 1 from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The XB-1 test flights will continue in the R-2508 Complex, with supersonic operations taking place within designated supersonic corridors.

The XB-1 demonstrator is paving the way for the return of civil supersonic travel, a concept that has been dormant since the retirement of Concorde. The development of Overture, Boom's supersonic airliner, is seen as a significant step towards making high-speed air travel a reality once more.