Boom Supersonic’s XB-1 demonstrator aircraft is making steady progress towards achieving Mach 1 in its comprehensive flight test program.
Since its first flight on March 22, 2024, the XB-1 has been working through a series of approximately 10 subsonic flights. These flight tests aim to verify the aircraft’s performance and handling characteristics before it reaches the milestone of supersonic speeds.
Paving the Way for Overture
The XB-1 serves as a crucial stepping stone for developing Overture, Boom’s ambitious supersonic airliner project. It incorporates an array of cutting-edge technologies designed to enable efficient supersonic flight.
These innovations include digitally-optimized aerodynamics, which minimize drag and maximize efficiency. The extensive use of carbon fiber composites reduces weight while maintaining structural integrity.
In the powerplant department, advanced supersonic engine intakes that optimize airflow at high speeds. A state-of-the-art augmented reality vision system to enhance pilot visibility during critical takeoff and landing phases.
Flight Testing Methodology
Nick Sheryka, XB-1 Chief Flight Test Engineer, emphasizes Boom’s gradual and methodical approach to flight testing. This philosophy is deeply rooted in the company’s unwavering commitment to safety as the paramount mission.
By incrementally pushing the aircraft’s capabilities, the team ensures that each new milestone is achieved with safety of the pilot and the integrity of the aircraft.
Forth Test Flight Results
The fourth flight of XB-1, which took place on September 21, 2024, just eight days after the third flight. Piloted by Boom’s Chief Test Pilot, Tristan “Geppetto” Brandenburg, the aircraft reached new heights – both literally and figuratively.
During this 48-minute flight, XB-1 climbed to a maximum altitude of 16,150 feet and achieved a top speed of Mach 0.617, equivalent to 313 knots indicated airspeed. This velocity brings the aircraft more than halfway to breaking the sound barrier, which occurs at Mach 1.
Flutter Excitation System
One of the most notable aspects of this fourth flight was the inaugural use of the flutter excitation system (FES) in flight conditions. The FES is a sophisticated vibration device that allows engineers to deliberately trigger structural vibration modes before they would naturally occur during flight.
This proactive approach enables the team to study and understand the aircraft’s behavior under various stress conditions, enhancing safety and performance optimization.
Throughout the flight, the team conducted a series of handling quality checks at speeds ranging from 225 to 300 knots. These assessments provide crucial data on how the aircraft responds to pilot inputs across its speed envelope, ensuring precise control and stability.
Wind-up Turn
The team executed a maneuver known as a wind-up turn, subjecting the XB-1 to elevated g-forces and reaching 2.78g. This test is particularly significant as it surpasses the maximum g-force the aircraft is expected to experience during its planned supersonic flights.
By testing beyond expected limits, the team builds in an extra margin of safety, crucial for the upcoming high-speed runs.
Landing Gear Operation
The flight also included critical systems testing. The landing gear was test retracted and extended at its maximum safe speed of 225 knots.
This milestone completes an important phase of landing gear system validation. This paves the way for more streamlined operations in future flights, where pilots will retract the landing gear immediately after takeoff.
Summary
Tristan “Geppetto” Brandenburg, who piloted this mission, brings a wealth of experience to the XB-1 program. Having flown the second and third flights as well, Brandenburg is building an intimate understanding of the aircraft’s characteristics.
This accumulated knowledge will be invaluable when he takes the controls for XB-1’s highly anticipated first supersonic flight.
As Boom Supersonic continues to push the boundaries of aviation technology, each flight of the XB-1 demonstrator brings us closer to a new era of commercial supersonic travel.
The lessons learned and technologies proven through this rigorous testing program are directly informing the development of Overture. This promises to usher in a new era of fast, efficient, and environmentally conscious air travel.
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