NASA and Boom reveal breakthrough in supersonic travel
NASA and Boom Supersonic unveiled a photo of the XB-1 aeroplane, which has surpassed the sound barrier three times. This is a step towards supersonic passenger flights that could halve intercontinental travel time.
NASA, in collaboration with Boom Supersonic, presented a remarkable photo of the XB-1 aeroplane, which, during tests over the Mojave Desert, surpassed the sound barrier three times. This marks it as the first civilian aircraft to achieve this, signifying a significant advancement in supersonic aviation.
The photo was taken on 10th February using the Schlieren technique, which allows us to observe how light bends around variations in air pressure. This technique, developed in 1864 by August Toepler, remains vital in aerospace engineering. Capturing this moment required ideal conditions and the skills of pilot Tristan 'Geppetto' Brandenburg.
Super-fast travel getting closer
Boom Supersonic plans to create a passenger plane that breaks the sound barrier without generating noise. If the issue of noise pollution can be resolved, intercontinental flights could be halved. A trip from Warsaw to New York could take just 4.5 hours.
The company has completed the testing phase and plans to build the modern Overture aircraft. Production is set to begin at a plant in Greensboro, North Carolina, with a plan to manufacture 66 planes per year. Airlines such as United Airlines, American Airlines, and Japan Airlines have already placed orders.
The XB-1 aeroplane did not produce an audible sonic boom, which is crucial for the future of supersonic travel. Boom Supersonic aims to use the collected data to further develop the technology, which could revolutionise the way we travel long distances.
If everything goes according to plan, supersonic passenger planes could become a reality, offering faster and more comfortable travel worldwide.
