Boom XB-1 Completes Final Flight, Ending Supersonic Test Program

The Boom XB-1 technology demonstrator has officially concluded its flight-test program, marking a pivotal milestone for Boom Supersonic as it transitions toward development of its Overture airliner. The aircraft landed for the final time on Feb. 10, 2025, at Mojave Air & Space Port, completing a campaign of 13 total flights.

During its final mission, the XB-1 reached a top speed of Mach 1.18 (approximately 772 mph) at an altitude of 36,514 feet. According to company data, the aircraft broke the sound barrier three times during this mission, bringing the program's total to six distinct supersonic runs across two dedicated high-speed flights. The program utilized a special FAA waiver to operate within the Bell X-1 Supersonic Corridor over the continental United States.

Data Integration and Overture Development

While the flight phase is complete, the XB-1 aircraft profile remains central to the company's engineering strategy. Boom collaborated with NASA to capture Schlieren imaging during the final flight to visualize shockwaves and refine aerodynamic models. Although some onboard data gaps were noted by analysts, the company maintains that the XB-1 validated critical flight controls and stability requirements.

Boom intends to use the accumulated data to support certification and operational planning of the Overture airliner, with the company targeting commercial supersonic flights by the end of the decade. The demonstrator's retirement signals a shift from experimental flight testing to the hardware development and regulatory phase of the full-scale airliner.