Boom Supersonic’s XB-1: A Historic Leap with a Silent Sonic Boom
Boom Technology marked a historic achievement earlier this year. Its XB-1 demonstrator became the first privately developed supersonic aircraft to shatter the sound barrier without causing an audible sonic boom on the ground. The aircraft reached Mach 1.122 during test flights in January and February 2025. This was made possible by employing advanced “Mach cutoff” technology that bends sound waves upward through atmospheric temperature variations.
“XB-1’s supersonic flight demonstrates that the technology for passenger supersonic flight has arrived,” said Blake Scholl, Boom Supersonic founder and CEO. The successful tests pave the way for the company’s commercial Overture airliner, which aims to carry 64-80 passengers at Mach 1.7.
- Orders from American Airlines, United Airlines, and Japan Airlines total 130 aircraft.
This breakthrough represents the first human-piloted civil supersonic flight since Concorde’s retirement over 20 years ago. It marks a potential return to commercial supersonic travel.
Source: https://boomsupersonic.com/press-release/boom-supersonic-achieves-supersonic-flight