Boom XB-1
Boom Technology · United States · first flew 2024 · fighter
The Boom XB-1 is a one-third-scale supersonic demonstrator built by Boom Technology to validate aerodynamic and propulsion technologies for the company's planned Overture supersonic airliner. It achieved its first flight in March 2024.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Mid-mounted, delta |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 3 × turbojet, fuselage-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | Three GE J85 engines in rear fuselage cluster |
| T — Tail | No tailplane |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Supersonic demonstrator for Boom's Overture airliner technology
- Slender ogival delta wing with no horizontal tail
- Three GE J85 engines in rear fuselage cluster
Identified by its extremely slender fuselage, narrow ogival delta wing with no separate tail surfaces, and three engine exhausts clustered at the rear. The high length-to-span ratio and pointy nose are characteristic of supersonic configurations.
Specifications
- The Boom XB-1 has a length of 19.08 m (63 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 6.4 m (21 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 1900 km/h (1181 mph).
- Typical crew: 1.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Development of the XB-1 began around 2016 as Boom Technology's proof-of-concept vehicle. After years of ground testing, the aircraft first flew in March 2024 from Mojave Air and Space Port. The program aims to demonstrate supersonic flight efficiency improvements that would make commercial supersonic travel economically viable for Overture.
Variants
A single prototype was built; the XB-1 is a one-off technology demonstrator with no production intent.
Where you'll see it
Operated solely by Boom Technology as a flight research vehicle; no operational service is planned.
Related aircraft
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