For the first time in history, a new civilian aircraft flew at supersonic speeds over the U.S. (video).

The experimental aircraft XB-1 from the American company Boom Supersonic has become the first independently developed jet to break the sound barrier. This milestone occurred on Tuesday over the Mojave Desert in the United States. Currently, the only aircraft capable of achieving supersonic speeds are military fighter jets and bombers.

The XB-1 model reached a speed of 1.05 Mach approximately 11 minutes after takeoff. The successful flight was reported by Boom Supersonic. This marks a significant milestone in the return of supersonic speeds to civil aviation. It is also the first instance of any civil aircraft flying supersonically over the continental United States. While supersonic aviation had previously been utilized in civilian life, it was discontinued after a 2000 accident and due to high fuel costs.

The company's next goal is to develop the Overture airliner. It is designed to carry up to 80 passengers at speeds that will be twice that of current subsonic aircraft. The Overture is almost entirely made from lightweight carbon fiber, unlike its predecessor from the 2000s. With the use of augmented reality systems to assist in landing, pilots will be able to safely operate the aircraft.

Boom is among several companies working to revive supersonic passenger travel. However, these new developments will likely face the same challenges that Concorde encountered over 20 years ago, including restrictions on flights over land due to sonic booms.

Sonic booms occur when aircraft travel faster than the speed of sound (approximately 1223 km/h). This speed can vary based on temperature, altitude, and other conditions. NASA describes this phenomenon as a shock wave, similar to the wake created by a boat in water.

Previously, "Telegraph" reported on the active development of working dogs in China. Controlled four- and six-legged assistants are tasked with carrying loads in extreme cold conditions and even competing against other drones.