Boom XB-1 SST Progress Update Boom Supersonic has been quietly working on their XB-1 Supersonic Transport and in an announcement made at the 2019 Paris Airshow, Boom says they are ready to start flight testing on a sub-sonic version called the Overture XB-1. They suggest that the Overture XB-1 will be ready for supersonic test flights in 2020. In a number of tests recently the data suggests improved efficiencies in various realms over the last supersonic passenger aircraft, the Concorde.
Below we can see the carbon composite shell of the Overture XB-1 at Boom Supersonic's facilities in Denver. One of the issues encountered is how to get the air-intakes to be able to slow down the air a slow-enough pace. No engine presently can consume air at supersonic speeds. They will be using software-controlled compression ramps to position shockwaves precisely. For the Overture XB-1 taxi tests will be conducted at the Centennial Airport and then move to the Mojave Desert for its flight test regime. For more information: BOOM Supersonic www.boomsupersonic.com ***
