Remember when the Boom XB-1 went supersonic? That was such an exciting day.
The Boom XB-1 supersonic aircraft achieved supersonic flight, marking an exciting milestone in aviation.
Background
- Boom Technology (often called Boom Supersonic) is a Colorado-based aerospace company aiming to revive commercial supersonic flight — passenger planes that fly faster than the speed of sound.
- The XB-1 is their one-third-scale technology demonstrator jet. In January 2025, it became the first privately developed supersonic aircraft to break the sound barrier over the continental U.S.
- The ultimate goal is "Overture," a full-sized 64-80 passenger airliner targeting Mach 1.7 (about 1,300 mph), designed to be net-zero carbon and run on sustainable aviation fuel.
- Concorde, the only previous supersonic airliner, was retired in 2003 due to high costs, noise, and safety concerns. Boom faces similar hurdles: sonic-boom regulation, engine development (partnering with Rolls-Royce and Florida Turbine Technologies), and certification.
- Paul Graham is a prominent tech investor, co-founder of Y Combinator, and an early supporter/investor in Boom.