Boom Supersonic Achieves Supersonic Speed Without Sonic Boom

Boom’s demonstrator aircraft, XB-1, successfully completed its first supersonic flight on January 28, 2025, at the Mojave Air & Space Port in California.

This marks the world’s first independently developed supersonic jet and the first one made in America.

Flown by Boom Chief Test Pilot Tristan “Geppetto” Brandenburg, the XB-1 reached an altitude of 35,290 feet and achieved Mach 1.122 (652 KTAS or 750 mph), breaking the sound barrier for the first time.

The XB-1 is the first supersonic jet based on airliner technology, featuring carbon fiber composites, digital stability augmentation, and an augmented reality vision system for landing.

It is powered by Symphony engines, designed to run on up to 100% sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). Following its debut in March 2024, XB-1 completed 11 test flights, progressively advancing from subsonic to supersonic speeds while prioritizing safety.

The XB-1’s test flights provided key insights for the Overture program, validating technologies like augmented reality vision systems for runway visibility, digitally optimized aerodynamics, lightweight carbon fiber composites, and supersonic intakes for efficient engine performance. These innovations are being integrated into Overture’s design.