Boom Supersonic’s XB-1 supersonic demonstrator aircraft , also known as “Baby Boom,” successfully completed its second flight at the Mojave Air and Space Port in California. This flight, which follows the historic first flight in March 2024, marks an important step in Boom Supersonic’s test program which seeks to reintroduce commercial supersonic flight with the Overture aircraft.
Features of XB-1
The aircraft is approximately 21 meters (68 feet) long, with a wingspan of 5.2 meters (17 feet). It is constructed of carbon fiber composites, which are lighter and stronger than traditional materials such as aluminum.
It uses three General Electric J85-15 turbojet engines, which are designed for supersonic operations. Although it is a demonstrator and is not designed for regular flight, the XB-1 can reach speeds in excess of Mach 1that is, it can fly faster than the speed of sound.
Stability and aerodynamics test
During this second test, the landing gear was successfully extended and retracted for the first time, fulfilling one of the essential objectives of the test. In addition, the Boom team evaluated the aircraft’s handling qualities and activated a digital stability system, designed to improve the flight experience based on lessons learned during the first flight.
The flight lasted approximately 15 minutes, during which time the aircraft reached an altitude of 10,400 feet and a speed of 232 knots (277 mph).
An innovative element of this flight was the application of “tufting” on the right wing, a technique that allowed observing the direction and strength of the airflow, confirming its aerodynamic characteristics. The flight lasted about 15 minutes, reaching an altitude of 10,400 feet and speeds of up to 277 mph.
Second test flight. Source: Boom Supersonic via YouTube
Critical tests progress with new leader
Tristan “Geppetto” Brandenburg, Boom’s chief test pilot, was at the controls of the XB-1 for the first time. Brandenburg will lead the remainder of the test program, including the XB-1′s first supersonic flight, scheduled for later this year .
This aircraft represents a breakthrough in supersonic aviation supersonic aviation and lays the groundwork for the development of the Overturethe supersonic airliner that Boom plans to bring to market.
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Source and photo: Boom Supersonic
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