NASA has released a groundbreaking image showcasing Boom Supersonic’s XB-1 jet achieving supersonic speeds without producing a sonic boom audible from the ground. This achievement marks a major step toward the future of quiet, high-speed air travel.
Boom Supersonic, a company dedicated to developing next-generation commercial aircraft, has successfully flown its XB-1 jet beyond the speed of sound. Unlike traditional supersonic aircraft, which generate disruptive sonic booms, the XB-1 demonstrated the ability to travel at Mach 1.12 without creating a noise disturbance at ground level.
During its maiden supersonic flight on January 28, a network of high-sensitivity microphones was set up along the aircraft’s flight path. Despite the plane breaking the sound barrier three times, no sonic boom was detected from the ground, confirming a major milestone in the development of quiet supersonic travel.
“This confirms what we’ve long believed: supersonic travel can be affordable, sustainable, and friendly to those onboard and on the ground,” said Boom Supersonic CEO Blake Scholl. “With this success, we’re bringing Boomless Cruise to Overture, unlocking faster travel on even more routes.”
NASA’s Cutting-Edge Imaging Technology
NASA’s involvement in the project extended beyond monitoring audio levels. On February 10, the agency captured stunning images of the XB-1’s flight using Schlieren photography, a technique designed to visualize shock waves.
Schlieren imaging detects changes in air density by tracking how light bends around an aircraft moving at high speeds. By using the Sun’s edge and sunspots as reference points, NASA software reconstructed the XB-1’s shock waves into a striking visual representation.
“This image makes the invisible visible—the first American-made civil supersonic jet breaking the sound barrier,” Scholl explained. “Thanks to our partnership with NASA and the expertise of our pilot, we were able to capture this iconic moment and confirm that the XB-1 produced no audible sonic boom.”
How Can a Supersonic Jet Avoid a Sonic Boom?
A sonic boom occurs when an aircraft moves faster than sound, compressing air molecules into shock waves that spread outward. The sudden change in air pressure results in a loud, thunderous noise.
NASA explains that while it’s impossible to completely eliminate a sonic boom, aircraft design and flight strategy can significantly reduce its impact. Smaller aircraft with streamlined shapes displace less air, resulting in weaker shock waves. Flying at higher altitudes and adjusting speed based on atmospheric conditions can also help prevent sound waves from reaching the ground.
The XB-1’s ability to achieve supersonic flight without an audible boom suggests that commercial air travel at high speeds could be reimagined with minimal noise impact on communities below.
The Future of Quiet Supersonic Travel
Building on this success, Boom Supersonic is developing Overture, a commercial airliner designed for supersonic speeds while adhering to modern noise regulations. The company plans to operate Overture at Mach 0.94 over land—just below the speed of sound—and Mach 1.7 over oceans. However, the company’s Boomless Cruise technology aims to allow flights at Mach 1.3 without generating a disruptive sonic boom, potentially cutting cross-country flight times by up to 90 minutes.
With additional propulsion system tests scheduled for late 2025 and pre-orders from major airlines including American Airlines, United Airlines, and Japan Airlines, the return of supersonic passenger travel is moving closer to reality.
With NASA and Boom Supersonic proving that high-speed travel doesn’t have to mean deafening sonic booms, the aviation industry is on the brink of a transformation. If future tests confirm the scalability of this technology, long-haul flights could soon be significantly faster and quieter.
