Boom Supersonic has received a new license from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to fly their XB-1 supersonic jet at speeds of Mach 1 and beyond. Based in Colorado, the company is now authorized to conduct test flights over the Black Mountain Supersonic Corridor in Mojave, California.

The triangular XB-1 aircraft completed its first flight on March 22, 2024 from the Mojave Spaceport. Currently, it is capable of flying supersonic at Boom’s complex in California. The next phase of flight testing will take place within the Black Mountain Supersonic Corridor and parts of the nearby High Altitude Supersonic Corridor, which are known for military hypersonics and research activities.

During the last flight, operators were able to monitor and track the XB-1 for safety purposes. Now they are preparing for a second flight to test the aircraft’s landing gear and other hardware. Boom plans to extend the range of the XB-1 before flying at supersonic speeds to evaluate performance and handling throughout its journey to Mach 1 and beyond.

Boom Supersonic CEO Blake Scholl announced that during this milestone flight, the XB-1 is set to fly at speeds of Mach 1.1, 1.2, and 1.3 in its first three flights. This significant step forward in developing supersonic travel showcases Boom’s commitment to advancing aviation technology.

In conclusion, with this new license from FAA, Boom Supersonic is taking a giant leap towards making supersonic travel a reality for commercial use. With further testing and development of their technology, we can expect faster travel times across continents in the near future.