XB-1 Supersonic Aircraft Breaks Sound Barrier: Pioneering Commercial Aviation's Future
Summary:
Boom Supersonic’s XB-1 aircraft achieved its first supersonic flight on January 28, 2025, marking a significant milestone in the return of civil supersonic aviation. Conducted at the Mojave Air & Space Port, the XB-1 reached a speed of Mach 1.11 during three supersonic test runs. This success lays the groundwork for the Overture airliner, which Boom plans to produce in 2025 and debut for passenger service by 2029. With orders already placed by major airlines, this milestone signifies a resurgence of commercial supersonic travel. The company is also collaborating with NASA on reducing the disruptive effects of sonic booms, as demonstrated by NASA's X-59 project.
Source:
New Scientist – “Experimental XB-1 aircraft goes supersonic for the first time” by Jeremy Hsu, January 28, 2025.