The Supersonic Revival: Boom Supersonic’s Fast and Furious Aircraft Gears Up for its Maiden Flight
Boom Supersonic Set to Conduct First Test Flight of 'Baby Boom' Ultra-Speed Prototype Aircraft Later This Year
Boom Supersonic plans to test-fly its ‘baby boom’ prototype aircraft later this year.
Colorado startup Boom Supersonic is about to unleash a sonic boom of excitement with its Mach 1.7 Overture passenger jet, named after the iconic Concorde. Their prototype, the XB-1, affectionately known as the “Baby Boom,” is now preparing for its maiden flight.
Since 2020, the XB-1 has been put through rigorous ground testing, upgrading its engines and landing gear, and refining its subsystems. More recently, it underwent taxi testing in the Mojave desert and even received an experimental airworthiness certificate from the Federal Aviation Administration. All these preparations have been leading up to the highly anticipated first flight, which Boom CEO Blake Scholl stated could take place by the end of this year. And according to recent reports, Boom is doubling down on that timeline as the prototype continues ground tests and receives further clearances from the FAA.
Boom Supersonic confirmed that they are “making significant progress toward the first flight, and we expect to fly XB-1 soon.” With its carbon composite and titanium fuselage and gull wings, the 71-foot-long Baby Boom is designed to operate safely at takeoff, landing, and supersonic speeds. Its aerodynamic shape, similar to the one planned for the all-business-class Overture, promises to catapult travelers across the Atlantic in less than four hours by 2030. However, the Overture will boast a different engine than the XB-1, opting for an in-house powerplant called Symphony.
The decision to build their own engine came after every major manufacturer declined to help, proving that Boom Supersonic is determined to make their supersonic dream a reality. In fact, if successful, selling Symphony could not only recoup its cost but also potentially turn a profit. As travel analyst Henry Harteveldt pointed out, Boom Supersonic’s foresight and innovative engine development could be a lucrative asset.
To ensure the utmost preparedness for the XB-1’s first flight, Boom’s test pilots have completed extensive flight training in both simulators and trainer aircraft. They have also secured clearances to conduct the flight at the Mojave Air & Space Port, where Captain “Chuck” Yeager achieved the unprecedented feat of breaking the sound barrier in 1947 with the Bell X-1 airplane equipped with a rocket engine.
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“It’s fitting that XB-1 is now progressing toward its first flight at the Mojave Air & Space Port, home to more than 50 first flights and other significant aviation events,” said Boom’s chief test pilot Bill “Doc” Shoemaker. “I’m looking forward to flying XB-1 here, building on the achievements of other talented engineers and pilots who inspire us every day to make supersonic travel mainstream.”
Get ready to buckle up, aviation enthusiasts, because Boom Supersonic is on a mission to revolutionize the way we travel through the sky. Stay tuned for updates as the Baby Boom prepares to take flight and pave the way for faster-than-sound commercial travel once again.
Let me know in the comments below: Are you excited about the return of supersonic travel? And would you be willing to board a faster-than-sound aircraft?
