NASA Captures XB-1 Breaking the Sound Barrier
NASA has unveiled a stunning, glowing image capturing Boom Supersonic’s XB-1 demonstrator breaking the sound barrier during a supersonic flight test over the Mojave Desert on February 10, 2025. This breathtaking photograph, produced using Schlieren photography, makes visible the shock waves created as the XB-1 pushed through the air at speeds exceeding Mach 1.
The collaboration between NASA and Boom Supersonic has garnered widespread attention in the aerospace community. Using the Schlieren technique—a method that visualizes changes in air density—the teams were able to document the XB-1’s supersonic performance in unprecedented detail. The technique allowed the image to capture the shock waves generated by the aircraft as it soared through the sky, transforming what is typically invisible into an iconic display of engineering prowess and innovation.
Boom Supersonic’s Chief Test Pilot, Tristan Brandenburg (affectionately known as Geppetto), piloted the XB-1 during its recent supersonic flight, which marked the second time the aircraft successfully broke the sound barrier. The first test, conducted on January 29, 2025, made Boom the first company to fly a U.S.-made civil supersonic jet. According to Blake Scholl, Founder and CEO of Boom Supersonic, the latest image is a powerful testament to their achievements: “This image makes the invisible visible—the first American-made civil supersonic jet breaking the sound barrier. Thanks to Geppetto’s exceptional flying and our partnership with NASA, we were able to capture this iconic moment.”
The process behind the photograph was meticulously planned. NASA and Boom Supersonic coordinated precise flight paths, requiring the XB-1 to fly at specific locations at exact times. Ground telescopes with specialized filters were positioned to detect air distortions, ensuring that the jet was captured as it flew directly in front of the sun. This high level of coordination not only produced a mesmerizing visual record but also yielded critical data on the aircraft’s performance.
One of the major objectives of the flight tests was to validate Boom Supersonic’s “Boomless Cruise” technology—a breakthrough that could pave the way for the future Overture passenger jet to fly at speeds up to Mach 1.3 over land without generating an audible sonic boom. During the latest flight, NASA teams gathered data on XB-1’s acoustic signature, confirming that no audible sonic boom reached the ground. This finding is significant, as it suggests that coast-to-coast supersonic flights could become a reality without disturbing populated areas, a challenge that famously limited the Concorde.
Over the course of 13 flight tests, Boom Supersonic has built a wealth of knowledge on supersonic flight, which they now plan to scale up for their Overture jet. The insights gained from these tests are expected to accelerate the development of commercial supersonic travel, opening the door to faster and more efficient air travel in the near future.
With XB-1’s test program now concluded, the aircraft is set to return to Denver, Colorado, as Boom Supersonic focuses on transitioning its groundbreaking technology into the next generation of passenger aircraft. The collaboration between NASA and Boom not only signifies a remarkable technological milestone but also heralds a new era in civil supersonic travel, where innovation meets practicality to transform long-haul air travel.
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