Boom’s XB-1: The First Civil Aircraft to Go Supersonic
Boom Supersonic has achieved a historic milestone with its XB-1 demonstrator plane becoming the first civil aircraft to break the sound barrier. The flight took place over California’s Mojave Desert, where the aircraft reached Mach 1.1, marking a significant step forward in the revival of supersonic passenger aviation.
A Historic Achievement in the Skies
The XB-1’s supersonic achievement occurred during its twelfth test flight, piloted by test pilot Tristan Brandenburg. The plane remained supersonic for about four minutes before safely landing at the Mojave Air & Space Port. Brandenburg managed to break the sound barrier two more times during the flight, cementing the aircraft’s capability.
This milestone comes eight years after Boom first introduced the XB-1, a scaled-down prototype designed to test the technologies and systems for the company’s ultimate goal: the Overture, a 64-passenger supersonic airliner. The XB-1, roughly one-third the size of the planned Overture, represents Boom’s commitment to bringing supersonic passenger travel back to the skies.
The Road to Overture
Boom Supersonic CEO Blake Scholl celebrated the achievement, calling it supersonic flight’s “Falcon 1 moment,” likening it to SpaceX’s first successful orbital rocket launch in 2008. While celebrating the achievement, Scholl acknowledged that much work remains to bring Overture to life, including testing its engines, which Boom hopes to begin later this year.
Several airlines, including American Airlines and Japan Airlines, have already placed orders for Overture, reflecting a strong demand for supersonic travel. Once operational, the aircraft aims to cut travel times in half, revolutionizing long-haul flights.
A Focus on Commercial Supersonic Aviation
In an interview, Scholl emphasized the importance of entrepreneurship in commercial aviation, expressing his desire to see more startups pushing the boundaries of the industry. While many aerospace companies focus on defense applications, Boom remains one of the few working on supersonic aviation for commercial purposes. Scholl expressed pride in Boom’s commitment to passenger travel, despite the challenges of being one of the only startups in this space.
“I think we need a rebirth of entrepreneurship in commercial aviation,” Scholl said. “This is about American jobs, American leadership in aviation, and improving human connectivity across cultures.”
Although Boom is working on some projects with the U.S. Air Force, its primary focus remains on creating a supersonic passenger aircraft. Scholl emphasized the importance of this mission, stating that it’s about more than just speed—it’s about building a future where people and cultures are more connected.
Looking Ahead
With its XB-1 demonstrator now successfully breaking the sound barrier, Boom Supersonic is one step closer to making supersonic passenger travel a reality. The company plans to conduct additional test flights in the coming weeks as it continues its journey toward the development of Overture.
This achievement signals not just a technological milestone, but also a broader vision for the future of commercial aviation—one where supersonic travel is accessible and transformative, reconnecting people across the globe at unprecedented speeds.
