XB-1 'Baby Boom'

摘要

With production of the demonstrator ongoing, Boom has partnered with Flight Research Inc (FRI) to perform the XB-Vs flight test campaign from the Mojave Air and Space Port in Mojave, California. FRI will provide flight test support for the programme and a T-38 Talon for use in maintaining pilot proficiency and as a chase plane during flight tests. The company is expecting the 'Baby Boom' will take to the skies for the first time this summer. The XB-1 will drive development of Boom's Overture supersonic passenger aircraft, which is slated to be available to global airlines from the mid-2020s, The platform has a similar speed to the 'Baby Boom' but has an extended maximum range of up to 5,178 miles (8,334km) and can seat between 45 and 55 people in business class. The Overture will follow the same flight rules as Concorde, being capable of supersonic flight on transoceanic routes only. In December 2017 Japan Airlines (JAL) partnered with Boom in producing the Overture, investing US$10m into the start-up company and having the option to purchase up to 20 aircraft through a pre-order agreement. Yoshiharu Ueki, president of JAL, said: "We are very proud to be working with Boom on the advancement in the commercial aviation industry. Through this partnership, we hope to contribute to the future of supersonic travel with the intent of providing more 'time' to our valued passengers while [emphasising] flight safety".