Boom Supersonic completed the second flight of its XB-1 demonstrator aircraft on Monday, May 26.
The three-engine fighter jet took off from Mojave Air & Space in California and remained in the air for just 15 minutes, reaching an altitude of 10,400 feet and speeds of 232 knots (277 mph).
For the first time, the XB-1 retracted and extended its landing gear, as well as tested aircraft handling and the use of the digital stability augmentation system.
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“XB-1 had a fantastic second flight this morning. 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,” said Blake Scholl, founder and CEO of Boom Supersonic.
The XB-1’s second flight comes five months after its maiden flight on March 22. The demonstrator aircraft was built by Boom to test concepts and gather data for the development of the Overture, an 80-seat supersonic airliner that is expected to fly at Mach 1.7.
According to Boom, the XB-1’s first supersonic flight should occur after about ten takeoffs as the flight envelope expands.
The demonstrator is expected to fly more frequently from now on, with breaking the sound barrier a milestone to be achieved by the end of the year.
