XB-1 Flight Marks Buildup To Supersonic Test Campaign

Boom’s ambitious plan to develop a 21st-century supersonic airliner took one step closer to reality on March 22 with the successful first flight of the company’s XB-1 demonstrator—the world’s first privately developed faster-than-sound civil aircraft—at Mojave Air & Space Port, California.  Aviation Week & Space Technology

Spiritually, I have tried to avoid the use of the word ‘hate’, therefore, I shall just say that I feel an intense dislike for this new US experiment.

Fifty-five years ago, in 1969, the first flight of the British Aircraft Corporation Concorde took place, capable of a supersonic speed of Mach 2.04 (1,350 mph).  

(Note; A British HP-115 experimental demonstrator, similar to the XB-1, flew even earlier in 1961.)

It is well known that Concorde flew for British Airways and Air France, also, Braniff International Airways, and Singapore Airlines.  Orders for more than 100 Concordes were made by about 16 airlines (Including Air Canada).  But, later, destroyed by US public pressure because of perceived noise.  

During that period, my home was on the final approach into Heathrow and, even as an experienced aviation enthusiast, of all the aircraft on that path there was nothing so heart-stopping as the bright white Concorde.  And, thus, my intense dislike of US aviation today … unable to build, e.g., a B-737.  

Just imagine what the Concorde would be today after numerous twenty-first century improvements … notwithstanding the if's and but's of the US aerospace industry swamp.