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Boom Supersonic reaches Mach 1 with XB-1 jet over Mojave Desert

Boom Supersonic reaches Mach 1 with XB-1 jet over Mojave Desert
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Madison Blancaflor Managing editor | The Points Guy

Boom Supersonic has achieved a significant milestone in its pursuit of reviving commercial supersonic flight. On Tuesday, the company conducted its first faster-than-sound flight with the XB-1 demonstrator jet reaching speeds of Mach 1.122 over California's Mojave Desert shortly after 8 a.m. This marked the first time a private company built and flew a supersonic jet without government support.

"This accomplishment was achieved by a small band of talented and dedicated engineers," said Boom's founder and CEO, Blake Scholl. "Our ultimate goal is to bring the benefits of supersonic flight to everyone."

Despite this achievement, commercial supersonic flights are still years away, and challenges remain for Boom Supersonic. The XB-1 is designed to test systems for the company's full-size prototype, Overture, which aims to carry 60 to 80 passengers efficiently enough for profitable operation.

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However, regulatory restrictions on sonic booms over land limit potential routes primarily to transatlantic travel. Additionally, Boom faces hurdles in developing an engine prototype called Symphony since no existing engines fit their needs.

While uncertainties persist regarding funding and certification processes, Boom has made strides by securing suppliers and orders from airlines like American Airlines and United Airlines.

With Tuesday's successful test flight, Boom Supersonic moves closer toward its goal of offering commercial supersonic travel.

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