Boom Technology, Inc. is reflecting on a successful 2024, reportedly having a “good year”. Their annual achievements included the completion of the Overture Superfactory, new partners building and testing their Symphony engine, and celebrating Boom’s 10th anniversary.
Boom was able to fly at Mach 0.95 this year. That is roughly 1173 kilometres an hour.
A spokesperson for Boom Supersonic said:
“Looking back at 2024, we recognize one overarching truth: None of this would be possible without you, our employees, team members, airline and manufacturing partners, investors, civic leaders, fellow av geeks, and future supersonic travelers. Thank you for your enduring support as Boom climbs higher and faster.”
Let’s dive into a chronological review of Boom Supersonic’s year. Then, we’ll conclude on what’s to come for 2025 and supersonic travel.
March 2024: XB-1 First Flight
On March 22nd, the XB-1 — the world’s first independently developed jet — took to the skies for the first time. It took off in Mojave, California, safely achieving an altitude of 7,120 feet and speeds of 273 miles per hour. This ultimately set the stage for nine more flights in 2024.
April 2024: FAA Authorization
On April 16th, the Federal Aviation Administration gave the green light for the XB-1 to reach supersonic speed in the Black Mountain Supersonic Corridor. Then came about Boom’s slogan: “XB-1 to Mach 1”.
This meant Boom was authorized to break the sound barrier in the same airspace as Chuck Yeager did in 1947, where he reached Mach 1.06 (700 miles per hour).
June 2024: Overture Superfactory & Symphony Engine
Boom completed the construction of the Overture Superfactory on June 17th. Located in North Carolina, this factory is the first supersonic airline factory in the United States.
The assembly line is able to manufacture 33 Overture jets in a single year, with the capacity to produce up to double that. This site also includes a delivery centre for airlines including United and American.
Boom, alongside partners Florida Turbine Technologies and StandardAero, worked to produce the Symphony Engine. In June, they carried out 30 rig tests on the upcoming engine.
July 2024: More Partners and More Technology
Boom revealed the Overture’s flight deck at the Farnborough International Show, England, on July 23rd. The deck is said to be “anchored by the Honeywell Anthem avionics suite”.
This allows it to “combine state-of-the-art technologies with safety-enhancing features”. Boom reports that it was also developed in consultation with airline and military pilots.
They announced two new partners at Farnborough too: ATI, Inc. and Universal Avionics.
The Symphony Engine was ATI’s focus, who brought in new high-temperature materials and components for production. Universal Avionics introduced SkyLens II to Overture pilots, which would be used in landings and take-offs.
August to December: More Height and More Speed
From August to December, the XB-1 completed nine tests flights. Like this one, in November.
The flights were diligently tested, ensuring the XB-1 would be cleared to fly supersonically. The company says they will pivot the learnings, practices, and safety culture onto Overture.
On December 13th, Boom launched tests on new drag-reducing material. They aimed to measure the material’s aerodynamic performance at transonic and supersonic speeds.
December to Now: A great end to a great year
During its tenth test flight, on December 19th, the XB-1 reached Mach 0.95. The supersonic jet was able to reach a new maximum altitude of 32,417 feet, piloted by Tristan Brandenburg. The success of Test Flight 10 projects the breaking of the sound barrier for next year.
Boom were able to reveal that they raised over $100 million in new financing, backed by bona fide entrepreneurs and investors.
Boom thanks everyone involved in their efforts to make the world more accessible through supersonic commercial travel. They promise to break the sound barrier in early 2025 using the XB-1.
What do you think of Boom’s journey? Will you look forward to supersonic travel possibilities in 2025? Let us know in the comments!
