#United States #NASA #Boom Supersonic #XB-1 #Mojave, California

Boom Supersonic Partners with NASA for Supersonic Flight Documentation

In a groundbreaking collaboration, Boom Supersonic, renowned for its ambitious project to create the world's fastest airliner, Overture, has teamed up with NASA to document the incredible achievements of its experimental supersonic aircraft, XB-1. This partnership is set to redefine civil aviation as we know it.

On February 10, 2025, during XB-1's second flight, specialized photography using the innovative Schlieren technique was employed to capture the shock waves produced as the aircraft broke the sound barrier. This exceptional pressurized jet became the first independently developed jet to fly at supersonic speeds, marking a significant milestone for American aviation.

The partnership with NASA allowed for the collection of crucial visual data that showcased XB-1's flight dynamics, including the formation of shock waves — phenomena that are usually invisible to the naked eye. Blake Scholl, the CEO and Founder of Boom Supersonic, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, "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 image."

One of the notable achievements of this flight was the confirmation that no audible sonic boom reached the ground during XB-1's supersonic pass—a promising development that could lead to quieter flights across coastlines and metropolitan areas. This acoustic analysis, part of the data gathered by NASA, is essential for future supersonic travel and aligns with previous research conducted to adapt supersonic flight for commercial use.

Boom's Chief Test Pilot, Tristan "Geppetto" Brandenburg, executed the precise maneuvers necessary to complete the flight successfully. Coordinating with NASA, the flight team utilized calculated waypoints and advanced avionics to ensure that XB-1 achieved the right altitude and speed to allow for spectacular photography while preventing any noise disturbances on the ground.

In addition to the visual documentation, extensive data collection was carried out, focusing on how sound propagates at different altitudes. The results demonstrated that it is indeed feasible to achieve supersonic speeds without disrupting communities below—a feat that has long been desired for commercial aviation.

As a follow-up to the successful tests, Boom Supersonic announced plans to integrate the findings from XB-1 into its Overture aircraft design. The company has developed what it calls "Boomless Cruise," an innovative feature that enables Overture to travel at speeds approaching Mach 1.3 without the audible sonic boom. This advancement could significantly reduce flight times across the U.S., trimming as much as 90 minutes from coast-to-coast routes.

The culmination of XB-1’s test flights not only highlights the potential of the next generation of supersonic air travel but also signifies a future where flying faster than sound could become a mainstream experience, rather than a distant dream. With 130 orders already placed from major airlines including American Airlines, United Airlines, and Japan Airlines, Boom Supersonic is preparing for a new era in air transportation.

The innovative Overture aircraft, set to be produced at the newly established Superfactory in Greensboro, North Carolina, is already making waves in aviation circles. This manufacturing facility is expected to ramp up production, with aspirations of delivering 66 aircraft every year.

As the aviation industry stands on the brink of a new chapter, Boom Supersonic’s partnership with NASA symbolizes a synergistic approach to tackling the complex challenges of supersonic travel. With cutting-edge technology and a commitment to sustainability, Boom aims to make the world more accessible and interconnected through its revolutionary airliner.

To learn more about the XB-1 and the Overture, you can visit the official Boom Supersonic website. As this story unfolds, aviation enthusiasts and travelers alike will be eagerly watching the developments that promise to reshape civil aviation in the years to come.