Boom Supersonic’s XB-1 supersonic demonstrator aircraft has successfully completed its second flight at the Mojave Air & Space Port in California. This achievement continues the test aircraft’s journey towards a new era of supersonic commercial air travel.
Following its historic first flight in March 2024, the XB-1 continues to make steady progress through its rigorous flight test program. It aims to achieve supersonic flight by the end of the year, a feat that would bring us one step closer to the return of faster-than-sound commercial air travel.
The XB-1 program serves a dual purpose. Firstly, it provides the critical foundation for the design and development of Overture, Boom’s ambitious supersonic airliner project.
It also plays a very crucial role in establishing a safety-first culture within the company. This emphasis on safety is paramount as Boom works towards reintroducing supersonic travel to civilian aviation.
Second Test Flight Objectives
During this second flight, the XB-1 team successfully accomplished several key objectives. For the first time, the aircraft’s landing gear was retracted and extended mid-flight, a standard procedure for second test flights.
This critical system check ensures the aircraft can transition smoothly between takeoff, cruise, and landing configurations.
The flight also provided an opportunity to assess the aircraft’s handling qualities and activate a new digital stability augmentation system, colloquially known as a roll damper.
This system, implemented based on learnings from the first flight, aims to enhance the aircraft’s stability and controllability, crucial factors in supersonic flight.
In a move to gather valuable aerodynamic data, the team applied tufting to XB-1’s right wing. These small, lightweight strings allow engineers to visually observe and evaluate the direction and strength of airflow across the wing’s surface. This verifies its aerodynamic characteristics in real-world conditions.
The XB-1’s second flight lasted approximately 15 minutes, during which it reached an impressive altitude of 10,400 feet and speeds of 232 knots (equivalent to 277 mph).
While this is still well below supersonic speeds, it represents a significant step towards that goal.
A Milestone for Boom’s Test Pilot
Blake Scholl, founder and CEO of Boom Supersonic, expressed his enthusiasm for the flight’s success. “XB-1 had a fantastic second flight this morning,” Scholl stated.
“Initial results indicate we’ve successfully resolved the findings from Flight One and are excited to continue flight testing on the path to supersonic flight. I’m proud of the team. Today’s flight is another step toward the return of supersonic passenger travel.”
This flight marked a personal milestone for Boom’s Chief Test Pilot, Tristan “Geppetto” Brandenburg. After piloting the T-38 chase plane during XB-1’s inaugural flight, Brandenburg took the controls of the XB-1 itself for this second outing.
He will remain at the helm for the remainder of the test program, including the much-anticipated first supersonic flight.
XB-1 Future Testing
Looking ahead, the XB-1 team is gearing up for an intensive phase of testing. With the first two flights successfully completed, they will begin to systematically expand the flight envelope.
This process involves checking the aircraft’s performance and handling qualities as it approaches and eventually surpasses Mach 1, the speed of sound.
The upcoming test flights will include comprehensive flight checks of all systems and multiple test points to demonstrate safe margins to flutter boundaries.
Flutter, an aeroelastic vibration phenomenon, can be catastrophic at high speeds, making these tests crucial for safety.
Boom has planned approximately 10 flights before attempting to break the sound barrier. This measured approach allows for good data collection and analysis at each stage, ensuring the safest possible progression towards supersonic flight.
FAA Authorization to Exceed Mach 1
In a significant regulatory achievement, Boom recently secured the first ever Special Flight Authorization (SFA) to Exceed Mach 1 from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
This authorization paves the way for XB-1’s supersonic test flights, which will be conducted in designated areas with a history of supersonic testing.
As XB-1 continues to push the boundaries of modern aviation, it’s not just about speed. The aircraft serves as a testbed for cutting edge technologies that will enable efficient supersonic flight.
These include digitally optimized aerodynamics, extensive use of carbon fiber composites, advanced supersonic engine intakes, and an innovative augmented reality vision system for enhanced visibility during takeoff and landing.
Summary
Two decades after the retirement of Concorde, the XB-1’s flights mark the exciting return of civil supersonic aircraft to the skies.
More importantly, they represent a crucial step towards the revival of mainstream supersonic travel. As the XB-1 program progresses, it brings us closer to a future where crossing oceans in mere hours could once again become a reality for civilian travelers.
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