Boom’s XB-1 Supersonic Test Aircraft Completes Third Flight, Eyes Year-End Supersonic Milestone

Boom Supersonic’s groundbreaking XB-1 demonstrator aircraft successfully completed its third flight on September 13 at the Mojave Air & Space Port in Mojave, California. This milestone marks a significant step forward in Boom’s mission to revive commercial supersonic travel.

The XB-1’s third flight, piloted by Chief Test Pilot Tristan “Geppetto” Brandenburg, focused on testing key systems and expanding the aircraft’s flight envelope. The flight featured extreme pitch and yaw maneuvers conducted at higher altitudes to ensure stable handling and performance. Additionally, the environmental control system (ECS), responsible for maintaining cockpit temperature and pressurization, was rigorously tested to perform reliably at higher altitudes where conditions are harsher.

A notable achievement during this flight was the extension and retraction of the landing gear at increased speeds of 215 knots, progressing towards the maximum safe speed of 225 knots. The stability augmentation system, previously demonstrated in the second flight, was also further evaluated to ensure optimal performance.

Boom plans to conduct a supersonic test flight by the end of the year, with the XB-1 program aiming for approximately ten flights before achieving Mach 1 speeds. The aircraft operates within the R-2508 Complex, utilizing the Black Mountain and Bell X-1 Supersonic Corridors for safe supersonic operations.

The XB-1 demonstrator is integral to developing Boom’s future supersonic airliner, Overture. Featuring advanced aerodynamics, carbon fiber composites, and an augmented reality vision system, XB-1 paves the way for the return of civil supersonic aviation, heralding a new era of faster and more efficient air travel.

Related news: https://airguide.info/?s=XB-1

Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, aerospacetestinginternational.com