Boom Supersonic’s XB-1 aircraft prototype successfully completed its second test flight on August 26 at the Mojave Air & Space Port in Mojave, California.
Boom’s XB-1 supersonic demonstration aircraft is intended to form the basis for the design and development of his supersonic passenger aircraft, called Overture. During its second test flight, XB-1 flew for about 15 minutes, reaching an altitude of 10,400 feet and a speed of 232 knots.
During this flight, the XB-1 successfully extended and retracted its landing gear for the first time. The test also focused on evaluating the aircraft’s flight characteristics and activating a new digital stability enhancement system, a roll damper. This system was introduced to improve flight characteristics based on lessons learned from the first flight in March.
“XB-1 had a fantastic second flight this morning. Early results show we have successfully resolved the issues from Flight One and we look forward to continuing flight testing on the path to supersonic flight,” said Boom Supersonic founder and CEO Blake Scholl in a recent press release. “I am proud of the team. Today’s flight is another step toward the return of supersonic passenger travel.”
After its first flight in March, Boom received special flight authorization from the FAA to exceed Mach 1. The company plans to increase the frequency of test flights and aims to achieve supersonic flights by the end of the year.
