Boom XB-1’s second supersonic flight

Boom XB-1’s second supersonic flight

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Touchdown

Boom’s XB-1 has landed for the final time. After two supersonic test flights and 13 total test flights, the scale demonstrator is finished flying. Boom hopes to develop its full-size Overture aircraft for flight by the end of the decade.

Third pass beyond Mach 1, bingo fuel

The XB-1 has made three supersonic passes above the California desert today, unfortunately though, they’re not getting the data from the aircraft that they’d hoped.

2 passes down, 1 to go

XB-1 has made two of three supersonic passes. Part of today’s goal for Boom is to get imagery of the waves made by the aircraft as it breaks the sound barrier.

Mach 1

Boom has broken the sound barrier for the second time.

XB-1 is airborne as it begins its second supersonic flight

The 1/3 scale demonstrator from Boom is now airborne on its second and final supersonic test flight.

Live tracking here.

Boom announces “Boomless” cruise

Boom says it has demonstrated supersonic flight without audible sonic booms on the ground. Using a technique of speed management that uses atmospheric conditions to refract sound waves away from the ground, Boom argues it can operate without a sonic boom reaching the ground. The company has posted details here.

Diagram demonstrating sound wave refraction, which Boom says will enable it to cruise overland without audible sonic booms

Boom getting the XB-1 ready for its second boom flight

Boom is preparing its XB-1 demonstrator aircraft for its second and final supersonic flight. According to the company, they have a special flight planned for today. Search N990XB on Flightradar24 to track the XB-1.