XB-1 Supersonic Aircraft Smashes Sound Barrier Without Explosive Boom
- Editor1
- Feb 13
- 3 min read
Last week, we reported on the Boom Supersonic XB-1 completing its first supersonic flight, marking a significant milestone in the future of commercial aviation. Now, in an even more groundbreaking achievement, the XB-1 has broken the sound barrier without producing an audible sonic boom—a major leap forward in making supersonic travel over land a reality.
Breaking the Sound Barrier Quietly
During recent test flights over the Mojave Desert, the XB-1 demonstrator successfully surpassed Mach 1 multiple times, yet no loud sonic booms were heard on the ground. Traditional supersonic jets generate a disruptive shockwave when they exceed the speed of sound, resulting in a deafening boom. However, Boom Supersonic has incorporated advanced Mach cutoff physics into the aircraft’s design, ensuring that the shockwave is directed upwards and dissipates before reaching the ground.
To verify this achievement, Boom Supersonic deployed ground-based microphone arrays along the flight path. The data confirmed that the XB-1 remained inaudible to those below, proving that the “boomless cruise” concept is not just theoretical but a tangible advancement in aviation.
Blake Scholl, Founder and CEO of Boom Supersonic, emphasized the significance of this breakthrough:
“XB-1 supersonic aircraft broke the sound barrier three times during its first supersonic flight—without an audible boom. This confirms what we’ve long believed: supersonic travel can be affordable, sustainable, and friendly to both passengers and those on the ground.”
The Science Behind the Silence
The XB-1’s ability to achieve quiet supersonic flight is due to a combination of advanced aerodynamics, innovative propulsion, and atmospheric physics.
• Mach Cutoff Effect: Above 30,000 feet, changes in air density and temperature alter the way shockwaves propagate. Instead of traveling downward, the shockwave bends upward and disperses, preventing an audible sonic boom at ground level.
• Aerodynamic Design: The XB-1 incorporates a sleek fuselage and an elongated nose to reduce drag and mitigate shockwave formation.
• Engine Efficiency: The demonstrator is powered by three General Electric J85 turbojet engines, providing nearly 13,000 pounds of thrust. These engines allow the aircraft to sustain supersonic speeds without the need for an afterburner, reducing both fuel consumption and noise.
A Step Closer to Commercial Supersonic Travel
Boom Supersonic is using the XB-1 as a testbed for Overture, a full-scale commercial supersonic airliner designed to fly at Mach 1.7. The Overture will be powered by a custom Symphony turbofan engine, optimized for efficiency and noise reduction.
With regulatory restrictions in place since 1973 banning supersonic flight over land, the ability to eliminate disruptive sonic booms could pave the way for new FAA approvals and a revival of commercial supersonic travel. Major airlines, including United Airlines, Japan Airlines, and American Airlines, have already placed a combined total of 130 pre-orders for Overture, with hopes of launching operations by the early 2030s.
Why This Matters
The success of the XB-1 means that we are one step closer to supersonic flights becoming a part of everyday air travel, drastically reducing flight times across the globe. With noise pollution and environmental concerns being the main roadblocks, Boom Supersonic’s latest achievement signals a future where passengers can travel at twice the speed of today’s commercial airliners, without disturbing those on the ground.
What’s Next?
Boom Supersonic will continue its testing program throughout 2025, further refining the XB-1’s performance and collecting data to apply to the Overture’s final design. The company is also working closely with NASA and the FAA to help establish new supersonic flight regulations that could lift restrictions on overland supersonic travel.
With this latest success, Boom Supersonic has proven that the dream of quiet, efficient, and commercially viable supersonic air travel is closer than ever before.
