One step away from supersonic: the prototype of the supersonic airliner Boom Supersonic XB-1 has overcome the threshold of 1000 km/h

The Boom Supersonic XB-1 jet set a new speed record during its 7th test flight. The aircraft accelerated to 1012 km/h or Mach 0.82. Three more subsonic flights and the XB-1 will try to break the sound barrier. Boom Supersonic is in no hurry with this – all test flights are aimed at checking the reliability of the aircraft design and its controllability.

The prototype is in the air. Image source: Boom Supersonic

The XB-1 made its fifth and sixth test flights in October. Flights of the XB-1, a 1:3 scale prototype of the future supersonic airliner Overture, began in the spring of 2024. Essentially, the company is testing the airframe. It does not yet have the engine necessary to create a civil supersonic aircraft. The prototype is powered by a converted GE J85-15 turbojet engine.

Render of the Overture airliner for 60-80 passengers

Each test flight of the XB-1 is accompanied by a test to ensure the structure’s resistance to vibration. The aircraft is specially put into such flight modes in order to check the reliability of the selected engineering solutions. Also, the flights get higher and higher each time to make sure the cabin is airtight. During the 7th flight, the XB-1 rose to a record height of 7015 m. It will overcome the speed of sound at an altitude of 9144 m. This moment is not far off. It is possible that a significant event will take place before the end of this year.