Aerospace startup Boom Supersonic has successfully flown its XB-1 supersonic jet at the Mojave Air & Space Port in Mojave, California.
The XB-1 is a prototype supersonic aircraft that uses carbon fiber composites, advanced avionics, digitally optimized aerodynamics and supersonic propulsion system to achieve supersonic flight.
The test aircraft took off from the Mojave Air & Space Port and flew in the same space as other historic flight such as the Bell X-1, the North American X-15 and the Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird. The XB-1 flew at an altitude of 7,120 feet and at speeds of up to 238 knots (273 mph).
Boom Supersonic called the first flight of the XB-1 the return of civil supersonic flights two decades after the retirement of the Concorde. The XB-1 is the foundation for the design and development of Overture, Boom’s full supersonic jet.
Some of the features on the XB-1 include an augmented reality (AR) vision system with two nose-mounted cameras, digitally augmented with attitude and flight path indications. The AR system provides a high-resolution pilot display to help with runway visibility.
Digitally optimized aerodynamics are designed to combine safe and stable operation at takeoff and landing with efficiency at supersonic speeds.
The flight comes after Boom Supersonic has taken 130 orders and pre-orders from American Airlines, United Airlines and Japan Airlines.
The Overture aircraft will carry 64 to 80 passengers at Mach 1.7 — which is about twice as fast as standard passenger aircraft — while using 100% sustainable aviation fuel.
