XB-1 Supersonic Boom Prototype Aircraft Makes First Flight

Boom Supersonic announced the dream of bringing back a supersonic passenger plane in 2016. After eight years of announcements, their first prototype XB-1 finally made its maiden flight last week.

This prototype aircraft with three engines will be the basis of the Overture supersonic passenger plane capable of carrying up to 80 passengers at a speed of Mach 1.7. The first time the prototype was shown was in 2020 but the pandemic caused its development to be temporarily delayed.

If all goes well, Overture will make its first flight in 2026 and start carrying passengers by 2029. So far United Airlines, Japan Airlines and American Airlines are among the airlines interested in using Overture.