Boom Supersonic Unveils XB-1 Demonstrator
Test flights are set for 2021 as part of the development of the company’s full-size Overture
Boom Supersonic has unveiled the XB-1 demonstrator aircraft, the next step toward the company’s planned launch of commercial supersonic flights before the end of the decade. Boom plans to fly the XB-1 for the first time in 2021 as part of its development of the business class Overture supersonic jet.
The XB-1 is a one-third scale aircraft with a 71-foot-long fuselage, and three General Electric-designed J85-15 engines, capable of allowing the aircraft to fly at “breakthrough supersonic speeds.”
The company says Overture will take to the air in 2025, with type certification slated for 2029. The aircraft will be able to fly between New York and London in three and a half hours, and between Los Angeles and Sydney in eight and a half hours, according to Boom.
Boom has a total of 30 pre-orders for its Overture aircraft – 20 from Japan Airlines and ten from Virgin Group. Boom is one of several firms currently developing aircraft for an economically viable return to supersonic commercial flight.
“Boom continues to make progress towards our founding mission – making the world dramatically more accessible,” said Blake Scholl, Boom founder and CEO. “XB-1 is an important milestone towards the development of our commercial airliner, Overture, making sustainable supersonic flight mainstream and fostering human connection.”
