Boom XB-1 Achieves Sonic Boom-Free Flight, and More

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Boom XB-1 Achieves Boom-Free Supersonic Flight in Final Test Mission

Boom Supersonic's XB-1 demonstrator completed its final test flight yesterday (Feb 10), breaking the sound barrier three times while validating its "Boomless Cruise" technology.

The company has proven that supersonic flight without an audible sonic boom is possible, achieving Mach 1.1 through a phenomenon called Mach cutoff, where the sonic boom refracts upward in the atmosphere.

Key Points

• The XB-1 completed its 13th and final 41-minute test flight from Mojave Air & Space Port

• Specialized microphone arrays confirmed no sonic booms reached the ground during supersonic transitions

• The technology works by flying at specific altitudes where temperature gradients cause the sonic boom to refract before reaching the surface

• This breakthrough could enable Boom's upcoming Overture airliner to fly at Mach 1.3 over land, potentially reducing US coast-to-coast flight times by 90 minutes

• The company expects to reach a design freeze on Overture supersonic aircraft within a week and aims to have it ready for passengers by late 2029

• Major airlines, including American Airlines, United Airlines, and Japan Airlines, have already placed 130 pre-orders for Overture

What It Means

While previous attempts at supersonic travel were limited by sonic boom restrictions, Boom's demonstration of "Boomless Cruise" could finally unlock widespread supersonic flight over land.

However, I remain "optimistic yet cautious" about their 2029 timeline, given the complexity of certifying new aircraft technologies.

Other Key Aviation and Aerospace Industry Updates for Today 👇

2. Airbus Projects Middle East Aviation Set for 3,740 Fleet Expansion Through 2043

Airbus projects Middle East airlines will need 3,740 new aircraft by 2043, with the regional fleet growing 150% from 1,370 to 3,500 planes.

The expansion includes 2,160 single-aisle and 1,580 wide-body aircraft, driven by Saudi Arabia's growth and 9% passenger traffic increase through 2027.

The sector also needs 225,000 new workers, including 55,000 pilots and 121,000 cabin crew.

However, current aircraft delivery delays and engine shortages are affecting 2025 growth targets.

3. Southwest Airlines Names New Finance Chief Amid Restructuring

Southwest Airlines has named Tom Doxey as Executive VP and CFO, effective March 10, replacing retiring CFO Tammy Romo.

Doxey joins from Breeze Airways, where as president he led the startup to profitability.

The appointment comes amid major leadership changes, including board restructuring driven by Elliott Investment Management.

Doxey brings experience from United Airlines, where he managed an $18 billion operations budget.

4. GE Aerospace Wins Five-Year Contract to Maintain Indian Air Force T700 Engines

GE Aerospace has signed a five-year Performance Based Logistics contract with the Indian Air Force to maintain T700-GE-701D engines powering their Apache helicopters.

The deal covers comprehensive maintenance, repair, and overhaul services, plus flight line parts supply to enhance operational readiness.

The T700 engine family has proven reliability with 130 million flight hours across 50 countries, including combat zones.

This partnership aims to streamline maintenance operations and improve Apache fleet availability.

5. Archer Secures Additional $300M+ Funding for Military eVTOL Development

Archer Aviation secured an additional $301.75 million from investors, including BlackRock and Wellington, bringing total funding to $3.36 billion.

The funding accelerates the development of a hybrid gas-electric VTOL aircraft with defense partner Anduril. This follows December's $430 million raise for their defense program.

While maintaining plans for commercial air taxi services starting in late 2025, Archer aims to capture military contracts, leveraging the aircraft's quiet operation and discrete mission capabilities.

6. Three-Seat eVTOL Gets Green Light From Japanese Regulators

SkyDrive has received G-1 certification basis from Japan Civil Aviation Bureau for its three-seat eVTOL aircraft.

The company released the first real-world images of the prototype, which is undergoing flight tests for its public debut at World Expo 2025 in Osaka. Production began in March 2024 at Suzuki's facility.

SkyDrive is also working with the FAA for US certification, aiming to standardize global operations.

The aircraft will perform demonstration flights at the Expo starting April 13.

7. Embraer Regional Cargo Jet E190F Receives EASA Certification

Embraer's E190F E-Freighter received EASA certification, completing its global certification trio after FAA and ANAC approvals in 2024.

The converted passenger jet offers 40% more volume than turboprops, triple the range, and 30% lower operating costs than larger narrowbodies.

With a 13,500 kg payload capacity, it targets the growing e-commerce market, enabling faster regional deliveries.

The aircraft completed its first flight in April 2024 and debuted at Farnborough Airshow last July.

8. Fourth US Gateway Opens for STARLUX Airlines

Taiwan's STARLUX Airlines will launch nonstop flights between Ontario, California and Taipei starting June 2, marking its fourth U.S. destination.

Operating four times weekly with an Airbus A350-900, the service offers 306 seats across four classes. The expansion complements existing routes from Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Seattle.

Ontario's strategic location provides convenient access to Southern California attractions and Asian communities, while offering connections to various Asian destinations through Taipei.

9. Boost Systems Completes Dual Certification for Helicopter Rescue Equipment

Boost Systems received EASA certification for its complex Personnel Carrying Device System for Airbus H125/AS350/AS355 helicopters, developed with AirWork & Heliseilerei GmbH.

The system complements its 2023-certified Human External Cargo system, offering a 1,100-pound capacity for multi-person rescue operations.

The quick-install provisions kit features a dual hook and load beam that can be mounted in minutes.

France's Blugeon Hélicoptères became the first operator to implement the complete system.

10. Drone Makers Join Forces for Supersonic Innovation

Cummings Aerospace and ATRX have partnered to develop supersonic unmanned aircraft systems.

This follows Cummings' successful testing of their Hellhound kamikaze drone, which achieved speeds over 350 mph in January tests at Pendleton UAS Range.

The collaboration aims to push drone capabilities to hypersonic speeds, potentially five times the speed of sound.

The partnership leverages Cummings' proven expertise in 3D-printed UAS and ATRX's advanced propulsion technology.