Private Civil Jet Breaks Sound Barrier on First Supersonic FlightPrivate Civil Jet Breaks Sound Barrier on First Supersonic Flight

In a historic milestone for civil aviation, Boom Supersonic has made the first supersonic flight of an aircraft developed entirely with private investment. The XB-1 experimental jet broke the sound barrier in tests conducted over the California desert, reaching a speed of Mach 1.1 (approximately 1,200 km/h) at an altitude of 35,000 feet.

The flight, which took place last Tuesday (29), was broadcast live and represents a crucial step towards the reintroduction of commercial supersonic aviation. Unlike Concorde, which operated between 1976 and 2003 and was developed under commercial agreements with government support, Boom Supersonic is betting on private capital to make a new generation of high-speed aircraft possible. The Concorde, despite its technological success, faced operational challenges due to high fuel costs and noise restrictions.

The company has ambitious plans for the Overture, a supersonic commercial jet designed to operate at Mach 1.7 (around 1,800 km/h) and carry up to 80 passengers. The expectation is that this new aircraft will significantly reduce the time taken for intercontinental journeys. A flight between Miami and London, for example, could be completed in just five hours, instead of the current ten.

The Overture has already attracted interest from major airlines, accumulating 130 orders from companies such as American Airlines, United Airlines and Japan Airlines. Boom Supersonic is working to make the technology viable for the commercial sector, offering a fast and efficient alternative to air transportation.

In the military context, supersonic technology is widely used, with fighters such as the F-39 Gripen of the Brazilian Air Force (FAB), which reaches Mach 2.4 (approximately 2,400 km/h). However, its adoption in the commercial sector remains a challenge, especially due to high operating costs and regulations related to noise emissions.

The achievement of the XB-1 represents a significant step forward in the quest for faster and more efficient commercial aircraft. If Boom Supersonic’s plans come to fruition, the future of air transport could be radically transformed, making intercontinental travel possible in record time.

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