27 August 2024
+VIDEO Does the world really need a supersonic airliner to replace Concorde? One company in the US thinks so, Boom Supersonic, and it’s just made the second flight of its XB-1 demonstrator aircraft.
Flying from Mojave Air & Space Port in Mojave, California, the XB-1 successfully retracted and extended its undercarriage for the first time, which is typical of second test flights.
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Additional objectives for this flight test were for the XB-1 team to assess aircraft handling qualities and activate a new digital stability augmentation system – or roll damper – for the first time. This roll damper was implemented to improve handling qualities based on learnings from the first flight back in March 2024.
In addition, tufting was applied to XB-1’s right wing to observe and evaluate the direction and strength of airflow across the wing, verifying its aerodynamic characteristics. XB-1 flew for approximately 15 minutes, reaching an altitude of 10,400 feet and speeds of 232 knots.
Boom XB-1 taxying at Mojave with ‘tufts’ on starboard wing
“XB-1 had a fantastic second flight this morning,” said Blake Scholl, founder and CEO of Boom Supersonic.
“Initial results indicate we’ve successfully resolved the findings from Flight One and are excited to continue flight testing on the path to supersonic flight.”
Boom test pilot Geppetto
This was the first flight in XB-1 for Boom Chief Test Pilot Tristan ‘Geppetto’ Brandenburg, who flew the T-38 chase plane for XB-1’s inaugural flight. Brandenburg is the pilot who will be at the controls for the remainder of the test program, including when XB-1 has its first supersonic flight planned for later this year.
The sequencing of test flights will increase through the next phase of testing with approximately 10 flights planned before reaching supersonic speeds.
