Boom XB-1 test aircraft edges toward sound barrier ahead of supersonic flight
DENVER - Commercial supersonic flight sped closer to returning as the Boom Supersonic XB-1 prototype reached a transonic speed of Mach 0.95 during Test Flight 11 on January 10, 2025, in the skies over the Mojave Desert in California, David Szondy writes for New Atlas. Continue reading original article.
The Military & Aerospace Electronics take:
15 January 2025 - During a 44-minute flight, Boom’s Chief Test Pilot Tristan "Geppetto" Brandenburg flew the XB-1 to 29,481 feet and reached a top speed of Mach 0.95, just below supersonic. The flight’s primary goal was to test the aircraft at a dynamic pressure of 383 KEAS, higher than expected during its first supersonic flight at Mach 1.1. This marks the maximum dynamic pressure the XB-1 will encounter, ensuring its structural integrity.
Dynamic pressure, which measures the force of air resistance as the plane accelerates, is critical when approaching supersonic speeds. Flight testing adjusts either dynamic pressure or Mach number incrementally to maintain safety and precision. At lower altitudes, faster speeds result in higher dynamic pressure, while the effect lessens at higher altitudes. This testing phase helps refine the XB-1’s performance for future supersonic flights.
Related: Boom Supersonic announces first flight of its XB-1 aircraft
Related: Boom’s Overture supersonic airliner gains Northrop Grumman as military partner
Related: Aerion and Boeing team up on AS2 supersonic business jet
Jamie Whitney, Senior Editor
Military + Aerospace Electronics
