Boom Supersonic’s XB-1 demonstrator aircraft has successfully gone supersonic over the Mojave Desert in California, becoming the first civilian aircraft to break the sound barrier. The American startup achieved this milestone on its 12th test flight, surpassing Mach 1 and maintaining supersonic speed for approximately four minutes, reaching Mach 1.1. Test pilot Tristan Brandenburg exceeded the sound barrier two more times before returning the XB-1 to the Mojave Air & Space Port.

This supersonic achievement comes after eight years since Boom first introduced the XB-1, a smaller version of the future 64-passenger airliner called Overture. CEO Blake Scholl mentioned that there is still much work needed to scale up to Overture, including firing up the aircraft’s engine for the first time later this year. American and Japan Airlines have already placed orders for the proposed supersonic plane, showing interest in this innovative project.

Brandenburg safely landed the XB-1 before noon, with Boom hinting at a second supersonic test flight taking place in the upcoming weeks. Scholl compared this milestone to SpaceX’s Falcon 1 moment when their rocket reached orbit in 2008, emphasizing the importance of this accomplishment for supersonic flight.

Scholl highlighted that the XB-1’s supersonic flight is the first of its kind not developed by a nation-state, unlike the retired Concorde jointly built by the British and French governments. Prior to the flight, Scholl discussed the relevance of commercial aviation entrepreneurship for the industry’s advancement, emphasizing the need for more companies like Boom to drive innovation and progress.

While there are other companies working on supersonic aircraft for defense purposes, Exosonic recently ceased operations in November. Scholl expressed the challenges of being one of the few startups focused on commercial supersonic aircraft but emphasized the importance of making supersonic passenger travel a reality. Collaborating with the U.S. Air Force, Boom’s primary goal remains centered on advancing supersonic air travel for civilian use, promoting American leadership in aviation and connectivity among cultures.