Boom Supersonic’s XB-1 to Make First Supersonic Flight on January 28, 2025
The XB-1, developed by Boom Supersonic, is set to make its first supersonic flight on January 28, 2025. As the first civilian supersonic jet independently built in the U.S., this milestone marks a key step in the future of high-speed aviation. Here's everything you need to know about the upcoming test over the Mojave Desert
On January 28, 2025, the XB-1 demonstrator aircraft, developed by Boom Supersonic, will conduct its first supersonic flight. As the first civilian supersonic jet independently built in the United States, it represents a major milestone in the development of high-speed aviation.
Since its first flight in March 2024, the XB-1 has completed a rigorous testing program that includes 11 subsonic flights, gradually progressing towards breaking the sound barrier. The flight will take place at the Mojave Air & Space Port, using the historically significant Bell X-1 and Black Mountain supersonic corridors near Edwards Air Force Base. These corridors, central to early supersonic tests, were used during Chuck Yeager's groundbreaking 1947 flight with the Bell X-1.
The XB-1 is expected to reach a speed of Mach 1.1 at an altitude of 34,000 feet, with the flight lasting 30 to 45 minutes. Supersonic segments are planned to last approximately 4 minutes each. The event will be broadcast live, with aerial footage provided by a T-38 aircraft equipped with satellite communications equipment.
Technical and Operational Preparations
The XB-1 testing program has included extensive evaluations of dynamic pressure, handling, and structural stability. Test pilot Tristan “Geppetto” Brandenburg has prepared extensively using simulators to manage potential challenges, such as navigation or stabilization failures.
Adjustments have also been made to the control systems after detecting unexpected behavior during earlier tests. These refinements aim to ensure safety and control under supersonic conditions, particularly when addressing the challenges of transonic drag, commonly referred to as the “sound barrier.”
A Step Toward New Technologies
The development of the XB-1 is part of Boom Supersonic’s broader initiative to explore the potential of supersonic aviation in the civil sector. Its design incorporates advanced materials, such as a carbon-composite airframe, to optimize performance and efficiency.
The live broadcast of the flight will begin at 6:45 a.m. PST (9:45 a.m. EST / 2:45 p.m. GMT), though the date and time may change based on weather conditions or safety considerations. This event represents a significant step in evaluating the XB-1’s performance under real-world conditions.
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