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Boom Supersonic Receives FAA Approval for Supersonic Test Flights
Boom Supersonic, a Colorado-based aerospace company, has made headlines with its recent achievement of obtaining approval from the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to exceed Mach 1 during test flights of its XB-1 supersonic jet. This groundbreaking accomplishment marks a significant step forward in the realm of supersonic travel technology.
Flight Testing in the Black Mountain Supersonic Corridor
The sleek and futuristic XB-1 jet, with its delta-shaped design, completed its maiden flight on March 22, 2024, at the Mojave Air & Space Port. Following this successful inaugural flight, the aircraft is now set to embark on a series of test flights within the Black Mountain Supersonic Corridor in Mojave, California.
This corridor, along with a segment of the High Altitude Supersonic Corridor in the designated R-2515 airspace, will serve as the testing grounds for the XB-1’s supersonic capabilities. This airspace is renowned for its history of facilitating research and military supersonic aeronautical operations.
Key Players and Future Plans
Boom Supersonic’s founder and CEO, Blake Scholl, expressed excitement about the upcoming supersonic flight tests. “Following XB-1’s successful first flight, I’m looking forward to its historic first supersonic flight,” said Scholl. He also extended gratitude to the FAA for their support in enabling the company to push the boundaries of innovation in supersonic travel.
The XB-1’s test flights will be conducted under the skilled piloting of Boom’s Chief Test Pilot, Bill “Doc” Shoemaker, and Test Pilot Tristan “Geppetto” Brandenburg. Brandenburg, in a recent statement, shared his enthusiasm about the milestone accomplishment and the team’s dedication to achieving success.
Looking ahead, the team’s focus will shift towards conducting a second flight to test critical components such as the landing gear. This flight will involve evaluating the jet’s angle of attack (AOA) and sideslip, as well as deploying the stability augmentation system for the first time.
Future Milestones and Expansion Plans
Boom Supersonic has outlined a strategic plan for expanding the flight envelope of the XB-1 before venturing into supersonic territory. The company aims to conduct ten to twenty test flights to analyze performance and handling characteristics at speeds exceeding Mach 1.
Brandenburg shared insights into the planned supersonic flights, stating, “We plan to do Mach 1.1, 1.2, and 1.3 on the first three flights.” This incremental approach allows for thorough evaluation of the aircraft’s capabilities and provides valuable data for future advancements in supersonic flight technology.
As Boom Supersonic continues to push the boundaries of aviation innovation, the future holds promise for the realization of sustainable and efficient supersonic travel.
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