Supersonic Spotting at APA

CO-Boom Supersonic started performing engine runs on its supersonic demonstrator, the XB-1, at Centennial Airport (APA) last year. According to the company, engine runs are necessary to help ensure new aircraft are ready for flight testing. The XB-1 features three General Electric J85 engines that were previously installed in Canadian F-5 aircraft.

In order for Boom to access the taxiway directly from the Boom hangar, APA granted the company permission to build a gate between the two locations. Ground crew was able to tow the XB-1 to a large apron with reinforced anchors designed to tether the aircraft. NOTAMs were also issued by the airport to notify other pilots of testing operations. Other ground tests did not happen on the airfield including the first time the team swung the landing gear which was performed on a specially designed stand in the hangar. The next step for the XB-1 includes flight testing in the Mojave Desert where the aircraft will likely reach taxi speeds of 135 knots and the company expects the XB-1 to leave the ground on the first flight at around 185 knots.