Boom Supersonic’s XB-1 Has Been Authorized to Exceed Mach 1

(Mojave, California) Boom Supersonic’s XB-1 demonstrator aircraft has secured the first-ever Special Flight Authorization (SFA) to exceed Mach 1 from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA); the SFA will apply to XB-1’s supersonic test flights in the Black Mountain Supersonic Corridor and in a portion of the High Altitude Supersonic Corridor within the R-2515 airspace in Mojave, California, according to the company.

Photo of Boom Supersonic’s XB-1 test demonstrator taking off during its first flight on March 22, 2024, courtesy of Boom Supersonic.

Boom Supersonic is currently in the process of what will be the world’s fastest airliner, Overture, according to the company.

Per today’s press release from Boom Supersonic, XB-1’s SFA follows a thorough review and Environmental Assessment, and extends to specified chase plane aircraft, which will trail XB-1 to observe, monitor, and record safety of flight.

Today’s announcement comes just weeks after Boom Supersonic’s XB-1 demonstrator completed its first successful flight from the Mojave Air & Space Port on March 22nd.

“Following XB-1’s successful first flight, I’m looking forward to its historic first supersonic flight,” said Blake Scholl, Founder and CEO of Boom Supersonic. “We thank the Federal Aviation Administration for supporting innovation and enabling XB-1 to continue its important role of informing the future of supersonic travel.”

In the wake of XB-1 successfully completing its first flight and today receiving authorization to fly supersonic, the Boom team will systematically expand the flight envelope to confirm its performance and handling qualities through and beyond Mach 1, according to Boom; this includes in-flight checks of all systems, as well as multiple test points demonstrating safe margin to flutter (vibration) boundaries.

There are a total of 10-20 flights planned before reaching supersonic speeds, according to today’s press release.

The first flight of XB-1 on March 22nd marked the return of a civil supersonic aircraft to the skies 20 years after Concorde’s retirement, and paved the way for the revival of supersonic travel onboard Overture, the world’s fastest airliner — optimized for speed, safety, and sustainability, per Boom.

“With every milestone and test flight, we bring the world closer to mainstream commercial supersonic flight, which will make the world dramatically more accessible for all,” concludes today’s press release.