Airplanes

Boom Supersonic’s XB-1 reached unbelievable speeds above Mojave Desert as it creeps towards supersonic speeds

  • Boom Supersonic completed the second test flight of the XB-1 jet
  • It reached unbelievable speeds
  • Boom plans to make it reach the speed of sound eventually

Published on Aug 28, 2024 at 2:01 PM (UTC+4)
by Siddharth Dudeja

Last updated on Aug 28, 2024 at 7:10 PM (UTC+4)
Edited by Alessandro Renesis

Boom Supersonic just had a field day as its XB-1 demonstrator jet completed a second test flight.

The demonstrator had its second trial run and reached commendable speeds during its short sortie.

Although the aircraft was well below of what the number it eventually needs to reach, it was quite the achievement.

If the US-based aviation company succeeds, the XB-1 will be the foundation to bring a supersonic plane to life.

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Boom Supersonic records remarkable speeds during XB-1 jet’s second flight

For context, Boom Supersonic held the XB-1 demonstrator’s first trial run back in March 2024.

After a five-month gap, it gave the aircraft another go this week.

The second flight was quite short as the plane only flew for around 15 minutes over the Mojave Desert.

It reached an altitude of 10,400 feet and a speed of 232 knots — which translates to 266mph.

supersonic plane boom xb-1 overture
Boom

This speed is also ever-so-slightly lower than what XB-1 achieved during its first flight, but all for good reason.

You see, the second run was more about adding in and improving the tech to have better stability.

The company implemented a roll damper to improve the jet’s overall handling.

The future of the XB-1 and Overture

boom supersonic xb-1
Boom
bom supersonic aircraft testing its first flight
Boom

While the 232 knots mark is significant with improved stability, the plane has a long way to go.

It eventually needs to reach the speed of sound at Mach 1 and break the sound barrier.

Boom believes that the team can pull it off in 10 test flights.

After the XB-1 goes supersonic, the company will further work on its conceptual Overture aircraft.

The Overture is said to be the successor to the infamous Concorde, so there are a lot of ‘ifs’ here.

It’s going to be a long while before we see Boom Supersonic reaching the ultimate milestone.

However, the next one is coming soon, and the company’s CEO said that the XB-1 will take its third flight next month.

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Siddharth is a tech nerd with a secret love of all things cars. He has been writing for a few years now, and on his free time you would find him gaming when he's not procrastinating.