Boom’s XB-1 Test Plane Breaks Sound Barrier, Paving the Way for Supersonic Travel
Key Points Boom’s XB-1 “Baby Boom” broke the sound barrier thrice during a test flight over the Mojave Desert. The plane reached a speed of Mach 1.1 at an altitude of 35,000 feet. It marks the first time a civilian aircraft broke the sound barrier in U.S. airspace. Boom plans to launch a supersonic passenger jet, Overture, with a top speed of Mach 1.7. Overture aims to cut travel times in half. Major airlines, including United and American, have signed...