Where is the Boom Supersonic solution up to?
Boom Supersonic: November 2024 Milestones and Progress.
Introduction
November has been a month of significant achievements for Boom Supersonic, as the company continues to make strides toward supersonic flight. With successful test flights, new collaborations, and innovative testing, Boom Supersonic is steadily advancing its mission to revolutionize air travel. Let's explore the key milestones and progress made in November.
Boom Overture on approach.
Wheels Up: Progress in the Hangar
The phrase "wheels up" has become increasingly common in the Boom Supersonic hangar. In November, the team completed two successful flights, launched new tests, and achieved several milestones toward supersonic flight. Testing requires time and patience, and Boom Supersonic appreciates the support and interest in XB-1's progress as they work methodically toward safe, supersonic flight.
Flight 8: XB-1’s “New” Underbelly
On November 16, XB-1 completed its eighth flight, confirming safe operation at Mach 0.8 with the stability augmentation system off. This flight expanded the altitude envelope to over 25,000 feet, continued tests of the Flutter Excitation System (FES), and reached a maximum speed of Mach 0.82 (487 knots true airspeed). A new series of tests was introduced in collaboration with the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) and Air Force Operational Energy Office, testing the durability of a shark skin-inspired ‘riblet’ material by MicroTau, applied to XB-1’s aft underbelly to reduce drag, fuel consumption, and emissions.
Boom Overture flying through cloud.
Flight 7: Cleared for New Heights
Flight 7, completed on November 5, saw XB-1 officially cleared to fly at 30,000 feet—the altitude it will reach when flying supersonic. The team focused on flutter envelope expansion and cockpit pressure testing, ensuring safe performance and handling qualities at higher altitudes and supersonic speeds. XB-1 reached Mach 0.82 (499 knots true airspeed), performing several tests at higher speeds to ensure predictable handling up to transonic speeds.
Key Milestones Achieved
The flight test program for XB-1 has been systematic and rigorous, achieving several key milestones:
Flight 6: Flutter and handling quality tests at a higher altitude.
Flight 5: Landing gear retracted immediately following takeoff; flutter excitation system tests.
Flight 4: First use of the flutter excitation system; wind-up turn with elevated g-forces.
Flight 3: Maximum pitch and yaw attitudes expected in supersonic flight; environmental control systems tests.
Flight 2: Landing gear retracted and extended in-flight for the first time.
Flight 1: Initial assessment of XB-1’s handling qualities.
Next Up: The Transonic Regime
No aircraft flies at supersonic speeds without first flying at transonic speeds. During Flights 7 and 8, XB-1 began to operate within the transonic regime (Mach 0.82), bringing it closer to breaking the sound barrier. Flight 9 will see XB-1 going deeper into the transonic regime, a challenging speed range that causes structural vibrations known as the “transonic buffet.”
The Heat Is On
At ATI’s Dallas facility, Boom Supersonic has begun metal forging for the first superalloy that will power the hottest sections of the Symphony engine. This superalloy is being tested at long-duration high temperatures, simulating the conditions the engine will experience during supersonic cruise.
Conclusion
November has been a month of significant progress for Boom Supersonic, with successful test flights, new collaborations, and innovative testing. As the company continues to advance toward supersonic flight, the achievements of November mark important steps in the journey. With each milestone, Boom Supersonic moves closer to revolutionizing air travel and making supersonic flight a reality.