Boom Supersonic's X-B1 Aircraft Surpasses the Speed of Sound, Edging Supersonic Travel Towards Practicality
Boom Supersonic made waves in the aerospace world today, as their experimental aircraft soared beyond the sound barrier for the very first time. This is a monumental step for the company, which has set its sights on reviving supersonic commercial travel within the decade.
Now, let's dive into the nitty-gritty of it all. Boom Supersonic's goal is simple: to break the sound barrier, showcasing the capabilities of their XB-1 demonstrator aircraft. While supersonic travel may sound fantastic—flying faster than most jets—it also comes with its fair share of drawbacks, including a historic lack of economic viability and the notorious sonic booms that rattle windows and nerves on the ground.
But Boom is not deterred. They aim to remind the world of what it's been missing, and today at 11 a.m. Eastern Time, they're demonstrating their supersonic prowess live on their website and YouTube.
Remember, the XB-1 wasn't just built out of the blue. Its first flight took place in March 2024 and marked the start of a year-long series of test flights. The aircraft grew faster and flew higher with each successive flight, with the ultimate goal of breaking the sound barrier by year's end.
Boom Supersonic is running slightly behind schedule, but today's the day that matters. The 62.6-foot-long demonstrator might not be the final product, but if Boom has their way, it will pave the way for the Overture, a supersonic airliner scheduled to debut in 2029.
Overture would be optimized for sustainable aviation fuels made from recycled materials, but whether it will actually run on those fuels remains to be seen. Making supersonic flight economically viable is perhaps an even more challenging task than tackling the sonic boom issue.
Supersonic travel went out of fashion in the early 2000s when the Concorde stopped flying. Supersonic commercial flight over land was prohibited by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in 1973 due to the disruptive sonic booms. But Boom Supersonic isn't alone in this endeavor.
Space agencies are also working on making supersonic travel more viable. NASA, for instance, is currently developing the X-59, a stiletto-like aircraft designed for quiet supersonic flight. The aircraft's unique design aims to reduce the sonic boom to a simple "thump," making it less disruptive for people on the ground.
If NASA's plan succeeds in a pilot study, it could potentially open the door for commercial supersonic travel over land. It's fascinating to see how both private companies and space agencies are working towards this shared goal, with Boom Supersonic providing an immediate boost of excitement and NASA delivering the serious legwork. So, if you're curious about supersonic travel and need a quick adrenaline rush, tune into Boom's historic event on their website or YouTube channel.
The achievement of Boom Supersonic in exceeding the sound barrier marks a significant advancement in space technology, leveraging the power of science to shape the future of aviation. Furthermore, NASA's X-59 project, designed for quiet supersonic flight, showcases the collaboration between private companies and space agencies in striving towards making supersonic travel over land a reality.
