XB-1 Demonstrator Just Shy Of Supersonic On Latest Test BOOM's XB-1 demonstrator in its most recent test flight nearly went pass the speed of sound. It flew from Mojave Air & Space Port in Mojave, CA on January 10th, 2025 flying to an altitude of 29,481-feet and reaching MACH 0.95. This 44 minute test flight was number 11 for the XB-1 demonstrator so far and the first flight for 2025. BOOM explained that the demonstrator was very close to going supersonic and went through the highest dynamic pressure.
The primary objective for Flight 11 was expanding dynamic pressure to 383 KEAS (knots equivalent airspeed)—a higher number than will be experienced during XB-1’s first supersonic flight. This is the highest dynamic pressure the aircraft will ever experience—pushing beyond the anticipated pressure the aircraft will experience at Mach 1.1. This effectively means the program should do well at Mach 1.1.
Following a thorough data review of aircraft performance and handling qualities on Flight 11, the team will determine whether another test flight is needed prior to taking XB-1 to supersonic speeds. Times are getting exciting as the envelope is pushed for a return of civil supersonic flight after the cessation of Concorde service at the end of 2003. The XB-1 is on track to break the sound barrier in early 2025.
As an aircraft approaches supersonic speeds, dynamic pressure becomes a key factor—it’s essentially how hard the plane is pushing through the air. Dynamic pressure and Mach number work together to shape the aircraft’s performance. During flight testing, they carefully expand one parameter at a time—either Mach number or dynamic pressure—in order to ensure safe and precise performance. The relationship between these two numbers changes with altitude—the faster and lower you are, the higher the dynamic pressure, and vice versa. For more information: BOOM Supersonic Centennial Airport, Dove Valley, Colorado www.boomsupersonic.com ***