Boom Supersonic has announced a significant advancement in the development of supersonic passenger aircraft, revealing that its XB-1 demonstrator successfully completed a test flight where it flew at supersonic speeds without producing an audible sonic boom on the ground. This milestone occurred during a flight on January 28, 2025, where the XB-1 reached speeds of Mach 1.12.
The company attributes this achievement to a phenomenon known as "Mach cutoff," which allows sonic booms to refract in the atmosphere at high altitudes, preventing them from reaching the surface. According to Boom’s founder and CEO Blake Scholl, sound waves bend similarly to light rays when they pass through different media, such as varying temperatures in the atmosphere. This bending effect means that sonic booms can redirect upward before they can be heard on the ground.
While supersonic flight over land is currently prohibited in the United States, Scholl expressed optimism that regulations could change, especially if sonic booms can be consistently avoided. He noted that an executive order from the President could potentially direct the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to permit such flights.
Boom Supersonic is also working on its next aircraft, Overture, expected to begin assembly in about 18 months. The first Overture aircraft is anticipated to be completed in approximately three years, with commercial flights projected to start by the end of 2029. Currently, there are 130 aircraft orders, including commitments from major airlines like American Airlines and United Airlines. The company continues to conduct further testing, including a second flight of the XB-1.