Boom Supersonic has revealed its supersonic demonstrator, XB-1, thought to be the first independently developed supersonic jet. To design and build XB-1, Boom recruited a team of experts from around the industry, forged relationships with key suppliers, and built a strong safety culture. XB-1 is slated to fly for the first time in 2021 and will undergo a 100% carbon-neutral flight test programme. Boom’s innovations include developing one of the highest-efficiency civil supersonic engine intakes ever tested, demonstrating Boom’s ability to deliver a breakthrough in propulsive efficiency for Overture. “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.” Boom’s XB-1 virtual rollout highlighted some of the plane’s features including: Shape: XB-1’s 71-foot-long fuselage has been optimally shaped for high-speed aerodynamic efficiency Materials: The carbon-composite airframe maintains its strength and rigidity, even under the high temperatures and stresses of supersonic flight Wing: The delta wing balances low-speed stability at takeoff and landing with high-speed efficiency Propulsion: Three J85-15 engines, designed by General Electric, provide more than 12,000 pounds of thrust, allowing XB-1 to fly at breakthrough supersonic speeds Cockpit ergonomics: Guidance and feedback from XB-1’s test pilots played a key role in cockpit design, which was the product of hundreds of hours of human factors and usability testing Forward vision system: XB-1 leverages a high-resolution video camera and cockpit display to give pilots a virtual window through the nose, providing superior runway visibility for landing XB-1 will now complete its ongoing, extensive ground test programme before heading to Mojave, California in 2021 for flight test. At the same time, the company will finalise Overture’s propulsion system and conduct wind tunnel tests to validate aircraft design. When XB-1 breaks the sound barrier in flight, Boom will be finalising the design of Overture, whose own rollout is on track for 2025. www.boomsupersonic.com Michael Tyrrell Author Michael Tyrrell Digital Coordinator Tags Boom Supersonic supersonic travel Share This Article Tweet Share Share Share Subscribe to our FREE Newsletter Related Articles Collins Aerospace and Boom Supersonic announce strategic collaboration Adding to the boom Rolls-Royce to work with Boom Supersonic on propulsion system Most recent Articles Sintavia acquires M4K-4 printers from AMCM Michael Holden to lead DSEI 2021 space strategy and development Sensenich awarded STC for carbon fibre propeller Share This Article Tweet Share Share Share Subscribe to our FREE Newsletter