Boom Supersonic completes second flight of XB-1 demonstrator
Boom Supersonic’s XB-1 supersonic demonstrator aircraft has completed its second flight, during which the aircraft successfully retracted and extended its landing gear for the first time, and a new digital roll damper was introduced.
Progressing from the aircraft’s milestone first flight conducted in March, the XB-1 – operating from the Mojave Air and Space Port in California – flew for approximately 15 minutes, reaching an altitude of 10,400 feet and speeds of 232 knots.
Speaking at the Farnborough International Air Show, CEO and founder Blake Scholl described how although the demonstrator’s inaugural flight produced “better than forecast handling qualities in pitch and yaw,” the roll characteristics required attention. For the second flight, a new digital stability augmentation system (or roll damper) was “implemented to improve handling qualities based on learnings from first flight,” explained Boom.
“Initial results indicate we’ve successfully resolved the findings from flight one and are excited to continue flight testing on the path to supersonic flight,” commented Scholl.
Subsequent tests will see the team “begin to systematically expand the flight envelope to confirm its performance and handling qualities through and beyond Mach 1,” with around ten flights planned before the XB-1 is expected to break the sound barrier. This will be achieved with the help of Boom’s recent receipt of Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) special flight authorisation to exceed Mach 1, the first permission of its kind.
