Supersonic for the people

Well, I'd imagine they are going to learn a lot from the XB-1 prototype, as it's powered by a GE engine that was designed for an afterburner, but not sustained supersonic flight. It was used in things like the F-5 and the T-38 variant.

Intake ramps are the key to managing airflow into the engine, the prototype might get them more real world data than is practicable in the wind tunnel.

They might be able to create a spec for an engine that is clearer is currently the case, de-risking it for a manufacturer to come in at a later date.

Fingers crossed!

The Boom XB-1 prototype tested some new features in its 8th scheduled test flight, reaching speeds of Mach 0.8.

Read more: SimpleFlying.

They also did some stability testing which all bodes well for crossing into trans-sonic flight envelope, and on to its design spec.

The XB-1 successfully goes into the trans-sonic speed range with a Mach 0.95 flight.

Tomorrow is the 12th flight as part of the Boom XB-1 prototype test programme and the first that will see it go supersonic.

Having previously reach Mach 0.95 at altitudes up to 34,000 feet, Flight 12 will push up to Mach 1.1 range for flight pressures and stability tests.

There will be a live stream, and it is scheduled for around 16:00 GMT on Tuesday 28 January 2025.

I will be waiting with bated breath and popcorn.

More data is emerging from the XB-2 flight tests, including this beautiful shockwaves picture:

More importantly,:

"NASA teams also collected data on XB-1’s acoustic signature at one location on the flight route. Boom analysis found that no audible sonic boom reached the ground as the jet flew at supersonic speeds."

This is a most excellent result as low or no boom was a desirable but not primary design characteristic. To have achieved it is admirable. Along with the data that will be gathered form the QuietSST programme, the X-59, it could pave the way for overland supersonic transport in the near future.

So, after a fairly low key debut flight, the X-59 is about to start its full flight programme.

Not heard much since, though.

NASA and Lockheed Martin’s X-59 "quiet" supersonic plane flew for the first time in October. It’s a major step towards reintroducing commercial supersonic flight in the United States.

NASA and Lockheed Martin’s experimental X-59 aircraft has taken to the skies for the first time, making history as the first supersonic aircraft designed to make a soft "thump" instead of thunderous sonic booms.

The X-59’s flight is a major step towards commercial supersonic travel, which has been banned in the United States since 1973.

The test flight was planned to last about one hour, taking off from Lockheed Martin’s Skunk Works facility in Palmdale, California, and landing at NASA Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards, California on Oct. 28. The plane reached a maximum speed of about 240 miles per hour (386 kilometers per hour) and flew at about 12,000 feet (3,658 meters) off the ground. It did not reach supersonic speeds for this test, which focused on checking critical systems.

Full story: LiveScience

What you did there, I see it!