the essential
The supersonic plane from the American start-up Boom will break the sound barrier for the first time next week. The thirty-minute flight will be filmed from the air and broadcast in real time. The details.
After eleven test flights, the XB-1 demonstrator is preparing to exceed Mach 1 (1,224 km/h). The device, which serves as a flying platform to develop a much larger aircraft capable of reaching 1,800 km/h, will make its first supersonic flight next week. Weather conditions permitting, takeoff is scheduled for Tuesday January 28 at 3:45 p.m. French time.
Retransmission and direct
For the occasion, the American start-up Boom saw the big picture. It plans to broadcast the entire flight live from the air. To do this, a T-38 fighter plane, equipped with a camera and a small Starlink antenna for retransmission, will follow the demonstrator. The public will therefore be able to see, in real time, the device breaking the sound barrier.
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Boom
According to the aircraft manufacturer’s forecasts, the XB-1 should reach Mach 1.1 at an altitude of 10,400 m. The plane will operate in a very specific area called “R-2508 complex” and located above the Mojave Desert (California). Lasting between 30 and 45 minutes, the flight will be narrated by Mike Bannister, former captain of Concorde for British Airways.
Also read:
VIDEO. Boom’s supersonic plane makes its first flight
Boom
Twice as fast as airliners
Thanks to its technological demonstrator, the American start-up aims to put the first civil supersonic aircraft on the market since Concorde in 2029. Called Overture, this 80-seat jet will be equipped with four turbojets and will be able to fly over the oceans at a speed twice as high as current airliners, at Mach 1.7. Since the launch of the program, Overture has recorded 130 orders and purchase intentions.
