On January 28, 2025, aviation history was rewritten as Boom Supersonic’s XB-1 demonstrator aircraft became the first independently developed civil supersonic jet to break the sound barrier. The milestone flight took place at the Mojave Air & Space Port in California, marking a pivotal moment in aviation innovation.

Flown by Chief Test Pilot Tristan “Geppetto” Brandenburg, the XB-1 reached an altitude of 35,290 feet and accelerated to Mach 1.122 (652 KTAS or 750 mph) as it soared through the supersonic corridor. This achievement signifies the first time a privately developed jet has reached supersonic speeds, a feat traditionally dominated by nation-states and military organisations.

A Vision for Supersonic Travel

“XB-1’s supersonic flight demonstrates that the technology for passenger supersonic flight has arrived,” said Boom founder and CEO Blake Scholl. “A small, dedicated team has accomplished what governments and billions of dollars once achieved. Our ultimate goal is to bring the benefits of supersonic flight to everyone.”

The XB-1 is built using cutting-edge airliner technologies, including carbon fiber composites, digital stability augmentation, and an augmented reality vision system designed to enhance runway visibility during landing. These advancements will serve as the foundation for Boom’s Overture, a supersonic airliner aimed at revolutionising commercial travel.

Rigorous Testing for a Supersonic Future

Following its inaugural flight in March 2024, XB-1 underwent 11 human-piloted test flights under increasingly complex conditions to validate its systems and aerodynamics. The test campaign systematically expanded the aircraft’s flight envelope, ensuring safety remained a top priority.

Chief Test Pilot Brandenburg reflected on the achievement, stating, “Every single team member was critical to this milestone. Our disciplined and methodical approach has laid the groundwork for the future of supersonic travel.”

From XB-1 to Overture: Pioneering the Next Era of Flight

The technologies validated by XB-1, including augmented reality systems for improved runway visibility, digitally optimized aerodynamics, carbon fiber composites, and supersonic air intakes, are integral to Overture’s design. Capable of carrying 64–80 passengers at speeds of Mach 1.7, Overture promises to halve travel times on over 600 global routes while operating on sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).

Boom’s achievements have attracted significant industry support. Former British Airways Chief Concorde Pilot Mike Bannister called the XB-1’s flight a “major landmark” and endorsed Overture as the successor to Concorde. The aircraft has already secured 130 orders from major airlines, including American Airlines, United Airlines, and Japan Airlines.

With the construction of the Overture Superfactory in Greensboro, North Carolina, Boom is poised to produce 66 aircraft per year, bringing sustainable supersonic flight closer to reality.

Industry Support and Global Impact

The aviation community has lauded Boom’s achievements. Jim Currier, President and CEO of Honeywell Aerospace Technologies, highlighted the role of Honeywell Anthem’s integrated flight deck in advancing safety and reducing pilot workload for Overture. Amy Marino Spowart, CEO of the National Aeronautic Association, praised Boom’s efforts, stating, “This flight is a testament to dreaming and doing, proving that the future of aviation is here and now.”

From its roots in the Mojave Desert to its global ambitions, Boom Supersonic is spearheading the return of supersonic flight, combining speed, sustainability, and safety to redefine air travel