XB1

History is about to be made! We’re in the Mojave Desert at Boom Supersonic’s test facility for a world-first event—will the XB-1 jet succeed in breaking the sound barrier for the very first time? Will this be the first step towards bringing back supersonic air travel since the Concorde was retired?

In the heart of California’s Mojave Desert lies a hotbed of aviation innovation—the Mojave Air and Space Port. It's here that history is being made with Boom Supersonic’s XB-1, a sleek, next-generation test jet built to usher in a new era of supersonic passenger travel. I had the rare opportunity to step inside this incredible world, and what I discovered was nothing short of groundbreaking.

A Legacy of Speed

Supersonic travel isn’t new. Back in the 1970s, the iconic Concorde changed the game, cutting flight time between New York and London to under three hours. It was the kind of speed that seemed pulled from the pages of science fiction. But despite its futuristic performance, Concorde couldn’t keep up with economic and environmental challenges. High fuel costs, thunderous sonic booms, and limited seating led to its retirement in 2003.

Yet, the dream of supersonic passenger travel never truly died. And now, Boom Supersonic is bringing that vision back to life—with a sustainable twist.

Meet the XB-1: A Glimpse into the Future

Boom Supersonic’s XB-1 is a scaled-down demonstrator for the company’s upcoming Overture airliner. While Overture is designed for commercial use, the XB-1 is its high-speed laboratory, testing out the technologies that could redefine the skies. Powered by three jet engines and built to travel at Mach 1.7 (about 1,800 km/h), it represents a monumental leap toward faster, more efficient travel.

But this isn’t just about speed—it’s about smart design. Boom is aiming for net zero carbon emissions with Overture. That means clean, efficient, and quiet supersonic travel. And the journey starts right inside the cockpit.

Stepping Into the Simulator

Before getting up close with the real jet, I tried my hand at the XB-1 flight simulator—a high-tech replica of the actual cockpit. Wrapped in screens, authentic controls, and an immersive design, it made me feel like I was genuinely piloting the aircraft.

Jepetto, the current test pilot, walked me through the instruments. Unlike traditional planes, the XB-1’s cockpit relies heavily on digital interfaces and cameras, particularly since its design limits direct visibility from the nose. Two forward-facing cameras guide the pilot during takeoff and landing, while the primary display manages speed, altitude, and orientation.

From throttle controls to the artificial horizon, everything in the simulator mimics the real flight experience. And when I finally pushed the stick and took off, it was instantly clear—this aircraft moves like nothing else. Light, agile, and incredibly responsive, it’s a whole new breed of aviation.

Supersonic Stunts and Challenges

As I hit Mach 1.1 in the simulator, the feeling was surreal. I wasn’t just flying—I was flying faster than sound. With Jepetto’s guidance, I even managed a barrel roll (not recommended in actual commercial flights, of course). But it wasn’t all smooth flying. Landing was a different story. Let’s just say my touchdown was… survivable.

Still, even in this simulated environment, the complexity and thrill of piloting a supersonic jet became evident. The sheer attention to detail in the cockpit design, combined with next-gen technology, shows just how serious Boom is about building a future-ready aircraft.

Meeting a Concorde Legend

To truly understand what makes supersonic flight special, you have to talk to someone who’s lived it. Enter Mike Bannister, the man with more supersonic flight hours than anyone else in history. As a former chief Concorde pilot, Mike shared what it was like flying passengers across the Atlantic at twice the speed of sound.

He flew Concorde from 1977 to 2003, accumulating nearly 10,000 flight hours, with 7,000 of those at supersonic speeds. His passion for flight was clear as he spoke about the marvel that was Concorde—and the immense potential of Boom’s vision.

“It’s a joy to see the dream reignited,” he told me. “Speed with sustainability—that’s the future.”

The Road Ahead

Boom’s upcoming Overture airliner is poised to be the spiritual successor to Concorde, but with modern improvements that address its predecessor’s flaws. The vision: cutting flight times in half, reducing environmental impact, and making supersonic travel accessible again.

The XB-1 test jet is the first real step toward that dream. And after experiencing the cockpit, simulator, and speaking with those who are building this future, one thing is clear—supersonic flight is no longer just a memory. It’s on the runway, ready to take off once more.