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In a significant milestone for aviation, Boom Supersonic’s prototype aircraft, the XB-1, has successfully broken the sound barrier during a test flight over California’s Mojave Desert. This achievement marks the first time a civilian aircraft has surpassed Mach 1 since the retirement of the Concorde in 2003.
Piloted by former U.S. Navy aviator Tristan “Geppetto” Brandenburg, the XB-1 reached an altitude of 35,000 feet before accelerating to Mach 1.1 (approximately 844 mph). The flight lasted about 30 minutes and included multiple supersonic runs, demonstrating the aircraft’s capabilities and stability at high speeds.
The XB-1, often dubbed the “Son of Concorde,” serves as a demonstrator for Boom’s planned commercial airliner, the Overture. Designed to carry 64 to 80 passengers at speeds up to Mach 1.7, the Overture aims to revolutionize air travel by significantly reducing flight times. For instance, journeys between London and New York could be completed in just over 3.5 hours, compared to the current average of 8 hours.
Boom Supersonic has already secured 130 orders and pre-orders for the Overture from major airlines, including American Airlines, United Airlines, and Japan Airlines. The company envisions a future where affordable supersonic flights are available on more than 600 routes worldwide, making rapid travel more accessible.
The successful supersonic test flight of the XB-1 not only demonstrates the feasibility of Boom’s technology but also rekindles the possibility of a new era in high-speed commercial aviation, two decades after the Concorde’s final flight.
Key Points on the New Concorde Prototype Breaking the Sound Barrier
1. Supersonic Flight Achievement
• Boom Supersonic’s XB-1 prototype successfully broke the sound barrier, reaching Mach 1.1 (844 mph).
• This marks the first time a privately developed civilian aircraft has flown faster than sound since Concorde’s retirement in 2003.
2. Test Flight Details
• The flight took place over California’s Mojave Desert.
• Piloted by former U.S. Navy aviator Tristan “Geppetto” Brandenburg.
• The aircraft reached an altitude of 35,000 feet and performed multiple supersonic runs.
3. The ‘Son of Concorde’
• The XB-1 serves as a demonstrator for Boom’s Overture, a planned supersonic passenger jet.
• The Overture is designed to fly at Mach 1.7, reducing flight times—e.g., London to New York in 3.5 hours instead of 8.
4. Industry Impact & Future Plans
• Major airlines like United, American, and Japan Airlines have placed orders for 130 Overture aircraft.
• The successful test flight brings commercial supersonic travel closer to reality, two decades after Concorde’s last flight.
• Boom aims to make fast, efficient, and environmentally sustainable supersonic travel mainstream.
Attached is a News article regarding the new Concorde prototype
Article written and configured by Christopher Stanley
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