Elodie Collins
A supersonic jet from Colorado company Boom Supersonic has conducted its second flight ever over the Mojave Air & Space Port in California. Boom said in a press release on Monday that the XB-1 demonstrator aircraft reached an altitude of 10,400 feet and speeds of 232 knots during the test.
The XB-1 flew for the first time in March 2024.
“XB-1 had a fantastic second flight this morning,” commented Boom CEO Blake Scholl. “Initial results indicate we’ve successfully resolved the findings from Flight One and are excited to continue flight testing on the path to supersonic flight.”
During the flight, the demonstrator jet extended and retracted its landing gear. The aircraft operators also assessed the XB-1’s handling qualities, digital stability augmentation system and roll damper.
Tristan “Geppetto” Brandenburg, the chief test pilot at Boom, flew the XB-1.
The second flight marks a major step forward in the development of Overture, Boom’s commercial supersonic airliner. The company already secured a special authorization from the Federal Aviation Administration to exceed Mach 1.
Boom will continue to operate the XB-1 in upcoming test flights over the R-2508 Complex in Mojave. The supersonic flights will happen in the Black Mountain Supersonic Corridor and a portion of the Bell X-1 Supersonic Corridor within the R-2515 airspace.
