NASA and Boom Supersonic reveal silent supersonic breakthrough
NASA and Boom Supersonic have unveiled a photo of the XB-1 airplane, which has broken the sound barrier three times. This development is a step toward supersonic passenger flights that could potentially cut intercontinental travel times in half.
In a collaborative effort, NASA and Boom Supersonic presented a remarkable photo of the XB-1 airplane, which during tests over the Mojave Desert surpassed the sound barrier three times. This is the first civilian aircraft to achieve this milestone, marking a significant advance in the field of supersonic aviation.
The photo was taken on February 10 using the Schlieren technique, which reveals how light bends around differences in air pressure. Developed in 1864 by August Toepler, this technique remains vital in aerospace engineering. Capturing this moment required perfect conditions and the skill of pilot Tristan "Geppetto" Brandenburg.
Super-fast travel getting closer
Boom Supersonic plans to create a passenger plane capable of breaking the sound barrier without producing disruptive noise. If the issue of noise pollution can be addressed, intercontinental flights could be reduced to half their current duration. For instance, a trip from Warsaw to New York could take just 4.5 hours.
The company has completed the testing phase and plans to build the modern Overture aircraft. Production is slated to begin at a plant in Greensboro, North Carolina, with an annual goal of manufacturing 66 planes. Airlines such as United Airlines, American Airlines, and Japan Airlines have already placed orders.
Notably, the XB-1 airplane did not produce an audible sonic boom, an essential factor for the future of supersonic travel. Boom Supersonic intends to use the gathered data to further develop the technology, which could revolutionize the way we travel long distances.
If everything proceeds as planned, supersonic passenger planes could soon become a reality, offering faster and more comfortable travel options worldwide.
