NASA Reveals Stunning Photo of Civilian Jet Surpassing Sound Barrier

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/ CBS News

Over a month after the pivotal event, Boom Supersonic alongside NASA unveiled a visually striking photograph of their aircraft soaring above the Mojave Desert.

The photograph released on Monday features the XB-1 jet. Boom Supersonic claims it is the 'first American civil supersonic aircraft,' captured during its second high-speed journey on February 10. Utilizing Schlieren photography, a method developed with NASA's collaboration, the company managed to visualize phenomena ordinarily hidden from view.

Blake Scholl, the founder and CEO of Boom Supersonic, commented in a press release, 'This image brings the unseen into the light.'

Test pilot Tristan "Geppetto" Brandenburg was tasked with ensuring the XB-1 was positioned accurately for NASA's ground team to photograph it against the sun's backdrop, according to the company based in Colorado. Specialized telescopes capable of identifying distortions in air, such as shock waves, were essential tools in capturing this image.

This marked the aircraft's 13th test flight overall, according to Boom Supersonic, and the second instance it achieved supersonic velocity, hitting speeds of Mach 1.18, which translates to 772 mph.

Scholl also noted that unlike most supersonic flights, the XB-1 did not produce a noticeable sonic boom. Information gathered implies that under specific speeds and atmospheric conditions, the sonic boom can bend and dissipate before impacting the ground, hinting at potential for boom-free supersonic commercial flights, according to the company.

NASA first managed to visually document supersonic shock waves in 2019 after extensive research spanning a decade. The technology was, in part, crafted to support various space agency initiatives.

Understanding Airflow Dynamics

Ed Haering, leading the Schlieren photography project, expressed in a 2023 NASA statement, 'Identifying air movement patterns offers deep insights into vehicle performance, its efficiency, and potential improvements.'