NASA records the moment when XB-1 jet breaks the sound barrier (X @boomaero)
NASA released an impressive image of the supersonic XB-1 jet from Boom Supersonic breaking the sound barrier.
The photo, published by the company on X, was taken during the second supersonic flight of the aircraft. To capture this moment, NASA used the Schlieren optical technique, which allows visualizing changes in air density around the jet and the shockwave generated during flight.
The Schlieren technique works by detecting variations in the air’s refractive index caused by changes in pressure, temperature, and density. Traditionally, this technique required complex equipment and was limited to laboratories. However, in the early 2000s, a variant called Background Oriented Schlieren (BOS) was developed, simplifying the process by using a natural textured background, like desert ground, combined with digital images and advanced algorithms to capture disturbances in the air.
In addition to producing impressive scientific images, BOS has practical applications in aerospace engineering. It can be used to analyze and improve aircraft structures, minimize the impact of sonic booms, study rotor and propeller aerodynamics, and understand how formation flying affects air flow between aircraft.
These analyses help make supersonic flight more efficient and quieter in the future. Check out the image:
Source: Olhar Digital | Photo: X @boomaero | This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
We nailed it.
During XB-1’s second supersonic flight, we partnered with @NASA to take this Schlieren image of XB-1 pushing through the air at supersonic speeds. Here’s the shot, captured by NASA teams on the ground. It documents the changing air density around XB-1 and the… pic.twitter.com/89HFHQ30W3— Boom Supersonic (@boomaero) March 3, 2025
