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A privately developed supersonic jet, the XB-1 “Baby Boom,” made history Tuesday, breaking the sound barrier over the Mojave Desert. Reaching Mach 1.122 (750 mph) at 35,290 feet, this marks a major milestone for Boom Supersonic, the company behind the aircraft. The flight mirrors the historic 1947 flight of Chuck Yeager, also over the Mojave Desert, which first broke the sound barrier.
The XB-1 has undergone numerous test flights and boasts advanced features like an augmented reality system for easier takeoff and landing. Its design, based on thousands of simulations, emphasizes both stability and supersonic efficiency. The jet is primarily constructed from carbon fiber composites for strength and lightness.
Boom Supersonic is now turning its attention to Overture, a supersonic airliner intended for commercial use. The XB-1 serves as the foundation for this larger aircraft, sharing many design features and incorporating a new propulsion system designed to run on sustainable aviation fuel.
Overture is projected to carry 64 to 80 passengers at Mach 1.7 (approximately 1,295 mph), significantly faster than current subsonic airliners. Pilot Tristan “Geppetto” Brandenburg expressed his pride in being part of the team that achieved this supersonic breakthrough.
Boom Supersonic reports approximately 130 pre-orders for Overture from airlines including American, United, and Japan Airlines. A new manufacturing facility in North Carolina is expected to produce dozens of these aircraft annually.