In a significant milestone for aviation, Boom Supersonic and NASA recently unveiled a striking image from an innovative test flight of the XB-1 aircraft, which is hailed as the “first civil supersonic jet made in America.” The image, showcasing this landmark event, was released shortly after the aircraft successfully broke the sound barrier on February 10, during its second supersonic test flight over the Mojave Desert.

Shooting the Invisible: Schlieren Photography

To capture the extraordinary moments of the XB-1’s flight, Boom Supersonic collaborated with NASA, employing a specialized technique known as Schlieren photography. This method allows the visualization of patterns of air pressure and shock waves, effectively making the invisible dynamics of supersonic flight visible. “This image makes the invisible visible,” stated Blake Scholl, the founder and CEO of Boom Supersonic.

Details of the Test Flight

During the flight, chief test pilot Tristan “Geppetto” Brandenburg meticulously guided the XB-1 to the precise position required for the NASA ground team to capture the aircraft in flight as it crossed the sun. Using telescopes equipped with special filters capable of detecting air distortions, the team successfully photographed the revealing image. This flight marked the XB-1’s 13th test but only its second supersonic excursion, achieving a speed of Mach 1.18, equivalent to 772 mph.

Eliminating Sonic Booms

Crucially, despite the XB-1 flying at supersonic speeds, it did not generate an audible sonic boom, a common phenomenon associated with such speeds. The data suggests that under specific atmospheric conditions, the sonic boom can refract, preventing it from reaching the ground. This research offers promising insights into the feasibility of commercial supersonic travel without the disruptive sonic booms traditionally associated with such flights.

The Future of Supersonic Aviation

This groundbreaking research aligns with NASA’s ongoing efforts to explore supersonic flights, which has included using Schlieren photography to document air movement and improve aircraft efficiency. “Knowing where the air is really moving tells you a lot about what your vehicle is doing, how efficient it is, and how you can make it better,” noted Ed Haering, principal investigator for the Schlieren technology.