Boom Supersonic unveils refined XB-1 demonstrator design

Boom Supersonic has unveiled the completed design of the XB-1 Supersonic Demonstrator, the subscale prototype of the Boom supersonic passenger airliner.

When it flies next year, the XB-1 will be the world’s fastest civil aircraft, and it will demonstrate in flight the key technologies for mainstream supersonic travel.

The XB-1 design has been refined and optimised since it was unveiled in 2016. The completed design has passed a major external design review, verifying that it meets performance and safety standards ahead of component manufacturing and assembly. Among the major changes, the XB-1 now has a third inlet located in the tail. This new inlet design provides greater propulsion system stability, improving aircraft performance and safety. In addition, the XB-1 wing design has evolved with the vertical tail modified to improve performance in crosswind conditions.

XB-1 Supersonic Demonstrator

Blake Scholl, founder and CEO of Boom Supersonic, said: “We now have everything required to build history’s first independently developed supersonic aircraft – the funding, technical design, and manufacturing partners.”

The XB-1 Demonstrator will fly with General Electric engines, Honeywell Avionics, Tencate carbon fibre prepreg, and 3D-printed components from Stratasys. Final assembly and vehicle integration are taking place in Boom’s facility at Centennial Airport, near Denver, Colorado.

Along with the refined design, Boom also provided an update on their order book, now totalling 76 aircraft across five world airlines. New airline partners will be announced at special events. The new aircraft reservations are backed by tens of millions in non-refundable payments. “Airlines are excited for something new and different to offer their passengers—and we’re thrilled that major world airlines share our vision for a future of faster, more accessible supersonic travel. We look forward to sharing more about these partnerships in the future,” said Blake Scholl, Founder and CEO.

First flight of the XB-1 Demonstrator will be in 2018.