Boom Supersonic's XB-1 Breaks the Sound Barrier: A New Era for Civilian Supersonic Flight

Boom Supersonic's XB-1 demonstrator plane successfully broke the sound barrier over California's Mojave Desert, becoming the first civilian aircraft to achieve supersonic flight. This historic milestone occurred during the XB-1's twelfth test flight, maintaining supersonic speed (Mach 1.1) for approximately four minutes. Boom plans to build the 64-passenger Overture supersonic airliner, already securing orders from American Airlines and Japan Airlines. This achievement marks a resurgence of civilian supersonic flight and offers hope for the future of supersonic passenger travel.