‘Son of Concorde’ supersonic jet set for major step after it completes second speed test flight within a week
Share:
A US supersonic jet racing to become the next Concorde has reached another major milestone ahead of an even bigger step coming early next year. Supersonic aircraft XB-1, dubbed the "Son of Concorde", has successfully completed its tenth test flight. It's a major move that could bring journey times from London to New York City to just 3.5 hours, down from the eight or so hours it currently takes.
![[This is the tenth test flight for XB-1]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/son-concorde-supersonic-jet-completes-958760280.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
The firm behind it, Boom Technology, says the jet hit a new top speed of Mach 0.95 - about 723mph - flying faster than the cruising speed of a Boeing 787 or Airbus A380. It also hit a new maximum altitude of 32,417 ft during its 46 minute flight from the Mojave Air & Space Port in California.
![[One or two more are expected before going supersonic]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/son-concorde-supersonic-jet-completes-958760282.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
But the aircraft still has a way to go before it reaches anywhere near Concorde speeds. Concorde - which ceased flying in 2003 - could dart through the skies at up to 1,350mph, over twice the speed of sound. "X-B1 is the first independently developed supersonic aircraft," said chief test pilot Tristan “Geppetto” Brandenburg.
![[Tristan “Geppetto” Brandenburg is the aircraft's chief test pilot]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/son-concorde-supersonic-jet-completes-958760281.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
"We've developed it on our own and I'm excited to be part of the team that takes it supersonic.". Boom Technology is hoping to make a major leap early next year with its first supersonic flight. The firm initially aimed to achieve this by the end of 2024.
Before going supersonic, the company anticipates one or two more test flights. As part of the 10th trial, experts assessed the aircraft's handling qualities at Mach 0.9 with the stability augmentation system off. "XB-1 cleared this requirement, confirming that the pilot can safely control the aircraft at higher speeds even in the unlikely event of a stability augmentation system failure," Boom said.
