Boom Supersonic Granted License to Fly XB-1 Supersonic Jet at Mach 1 and Higher – Paving the Way for Future Supersonic Travel

Boom Supersonic, based in Colorado, has been granted a new license by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to fly their XB-1 supersonic jet at speeds of Mach 1 and higher. The aircraft, which completed its first flight on March 22, 2024 from the Mojave Spaceport, is now authorized to conduct test flights over the Black Mountain Supersonic Corridor in Mojave, California.

During the last flight, operators were able to monitor and track the XB-1 for safety purposes. Now, they are preparing for a second flight to test the aircraft’s landing gear and other hardware. Boom plans to extend the range of the XB-1 before flying at supersonic speeds to evaluate performance and handling throughout the journey to Mach 1 and beyond.

The triangular XB-1 aircraft is set to fly at speeds of Mach 1.1, 1.2, and 1.3 in the first three flights according to Boom Supersonic CEO Blake Scholl. This milestone represents a significant step forward in the development of supersonic travel and showcases the company’s commitment to advancing aviation technology.