Boom Supersonic’s XB-1 aircraft successfully completed its second test flight this week in California. It flew for 15 minutes and reached an altitude of 10,400 feet and a top speed of 277 mph.
The test flight is a key milestone for Boom, which is developing supersonic passenger jets. The XB-1 will be used to test technologies for Boom’s planned Overture jet.
Overture aims to carry passengers supersonically (over Mach 1) across the Atlantic, cutting flight times from London to New York to 3.5 hours. It aims to fly at Mach 1.7.
Boom hopes to have Overture enter service by 2030. It would rival the legendary Concorde jet, which carried passengers supersonically from 1976-2003 but was retired due to high costs and falling passenger numbers.
If successful, Overture would make supersonic air travel commercially viable again through offering a larger capacity (80 seats) and lower fares similar to business class on long flights.
Boom’s tests are progressing the development of supersonic passenger flight and helping prove concepts like fuel efficiency and flight characteristics needed for commercial services.
Source: The Sun
