It’s a couple of years late, however a prototype supersonic airplane has taken flight

Enlarge / XB-1 takes off on its inaugural flight. (credit score: Increase Supersonic)

A prototype jet independently developed by Increase Supersonic made its first flight on Friday, the corporate stated.

The XB-1 car flew from Mojave Air & Area Port in California, reaching an altitude of seven,120 toes (2.2 km) and a most pace of 273 mph (439 kph). In a information launch, Increase Supersonic stated the preliminary take a look at flight of the XB-1 plane met all of its goals.

“The expertise we now have gained in reaching this milestone can be invaluable to Increase’s revival of supersonic journey,” stated Invoice “Doc” Shoemaker, Chief Check Pilot for Increase Supersonic.