Boom Supersonic has announced that it has successfully completed the second test flight of its XB-1 demonstrator aircraft. Boom Supersonic released a cinematic video of the second test flight on YouTube in which Chief Test Pilot Tristan Brandenburg can be seen conducting different tests during the 15-minute flight at Mojave, California. The single-seater prototype aircraft, fondly referred to as the “Baby Boom,” reached an altitude of 10,400 ft and speeds of 232 knots (277 mph).
During the second flight, XB-1’s landing gear was successfully retracted and extended for the first time. In the YouTube video, Brandenburg can be heard saying, “So smooth with the gear up.” It’s the first time the Boom’s Chief Test Pilot has flown the aircraft, and he’ll remain in charge of the remainder of the aircraft’s test program.
Additional objectives for this flight test included checking the demonstrator’s handling and activating a new digital stability augmentation system for roll damping to help maintain control in stall conditions.
Furthermore, the right wing of the XB-1 was fitted with tufting to monitor and evaluate the direction and strength of airflow across the wing, verifying its aerodynamic characteristics. “XB-1 had a fantastic second flight this morning,” said Blake Scholl, founder and CEO of Boom Supersonic. “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. I’m proud of the team. Today’s flight is another step toward the return of supersonic passenger travel.”
Following the historic first flight in March 2024, XB-1’s testing program remains on track, with the company targeting supersonic flight by the end of the year. However, the company still has much to do before conducting the first supersonic test flight. According to Boom, it will need at least ten more flights at higher altitudes and speeds before going supersonic. The company has already received Special Flight Authorization (SFA) from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). It will conduct the test flights in the Black Mountain Supersonic Corridor at Edwards Air Force Base in California as the aircraft reaches closer to supersonic speeds.
The American aircraft manufacturer inaugurated its new Superfactory in North Carolina earlier this year, where the Boom Overture supersonic jet will be built. However, don’t expect to board a Boom Supersonic passenger jet anytime soon. There’s a long way ahead for the company.
To give you an idea of how complicated it can be, around 250 British Airways engineers worked tirelessly along with the relevant authorities to get the safety clearances for the Concorde. Furthermore, the supersonic had to undergo 5,000 hours of testing before it was first certified for passenger flight, making it the most-tested aircraft ever. Boom Supersonic believes the Overture should be ready for commercial jets by the end of this decade.
