The XB-1, nicknamed “Son of Concorde,” is poised to break the sound barrier in early 2025, marking a significant step in the revival of supersonic commercial flight. Developed by Boom Technology, the XB-1 has successfully achieved transonic speeds of Mach 0.95 (575 knots) during recent tests, paving the way for its upcoming supersonic debut. Chief Test Pilot Tristan “Geppetto” Brandenburg, a veteran of XB-1’s previous test flights, will be at the helm when the aircraft surpasses Mach 1 (approximately 767 mph). While the entire flight will last between 30 and 45 minutes, the aircraft will only maintain supersonic speeds for around four minutes. Brandenburg meticulously prepares for each flight using a simulator to practice airspace and fuel management, and to understand the aircraft’s predicted behavior under various conditions. Emergency scenarios, such as engine failure, are also rigorously rehearsed, ensuring both pilot and control room preparedness.
Contrary to popular belief, pilots do not experience extreme G-forces at supersonic speeds. Brandenburg clarifies that once the aircraft achieves a stable airspeed, the only forces felt are gravity and a slight acceleration pull, a sensation future passengers can also expect. The XB-1 has been authorized to fly in two dedicated supersonic corridors near Edwards Air Force Base in Mojave, California: the Bell X-1 Supersonic Corridor and the Black Mountain Supersonic Corridor. This historically significant airspace was where Chuck Yeager first broke the sound barrier in 1947, highlighting the XB-1’s connection to aviation history. The limited availability of supersonic airspace is a direct consequence of the absence of commercial supersonic aircraft since the Concorde’s retirement, restricting such flights primarily to experimental planes and fighter jets.
The Concorde, once a symbol of luxury air travel, ceased operations in 2003 after 27 years of service. Several factors contributed to its demise, including dwindling passenger numbers and escalating maintenance costs. The aging aircraft became increasingly uneconomical to operate, particularly after the 9/11 terrorist attacks, which significantly impacted air travel demand. The fatal crash of an Air France Concorde in 2000 further eroded public confidence, leading to a decline in passenger numbers. Additionally, the Concorde’s requirement for a flight engineer, unlike other aircraft in the British Airways fleet, added to its operational complexity.
Supersonic flight over land was banned in the UK and the US due mainly to the disruptive sonic booms generated by these aircraft. The intense noise levels, capable of rattling windows, led to public outcry and regulatory restrictions. However, advancements in aircraft design, like those incorporated into the XB-1, aim to mitigate the sonic boom problem. Brandenburg explains that the XB-1’s planned flight altitude of 34,000 feet will likely dissipate the sonic boom’s energy before it reaches the ground, potentially paving the way for the reintroduction of supersonic over-land flight.
The XB-1 heralds a potential revolution in air travel, promising to dramatically reduce flight times. A transatlantic journey from London to New York, currently taking around 8 hours on a conventional airliner, could be completed in just 3.5 hours aboard the XB-1. This significant time saving underscores the potential impact of supersonic technology on both business and leisure travel. While the exact date of the next test flight remains undisclosed, its successful completion will be a pivotal moment in aviation history, signaling the potential return of commercially viable supersonic flight.
The resurgence of interest in supersonic and hypersonic flight is evident in several ongoing projects worldwide. Companies like Stratolaunch, with their Talon-A aircraft, and Hermeus, developing the Quarterhorse MKII and Halcyon, are pushing the boundaries of speed. NASA, in collaboration with Lockheed Martin, continues development of the X-59 QueSST, aiming to achieve quieter supersonic flight. Venus Aerospace, with its Stargazer M4, and Hypersonix Launch Systems’ DART are also pursuing hypersonic capabilities. China, too, is actively involved in this arena with its Nanqiang No 1 program. These initiatives, alongside the XB-1 project, represent a global effort to redefine the future of air travel, promising faster and more efficient transportation in the years to come.
