Blake Scholl
Showing 1–3 of 3 transcripts.
- Y Combinator50 min
Blake Scholl: How 50 People Built a Supersonic Jet
Founded by Blake Scholl in 2014, Boom Supersonic successfully developed the XB-1, the first privately built jet to break the sound barrier, using a lean team and software-driven engineering to overcome decades of aviation stagnation. This historic flight directly catalyzed a shift in US federal policy, prompting an Executive Order that legalized supersonic flight over land and clearing the path for the upcoming Overture airliner. By vertically integrating manufacturing and creating revenue through ground-based engines, the company aims to double global travel speeds while eliminating the traditional sonic boom barrier.
- Y Combinator14 min
How Blake Scholl Built The First Independent Supersonic Jet
Boom Supersonic, founded by former Amazon and Groupon engineer Blake Schull, is advancing its XB-1 supersonic prototype to validate the technical feasibility of a next-generation airliner. This initiative aims to replace the Concorde with the Overture, a 65-passenger aircraft utilizing sustainable fuel and sonic boom mitigation technology to enable overland travel. By prioritizing business-class pricing and targeting commercial operations by 2029, the venture seeks to overcome the historical economic failures of supersonic flight through a lean development strategy.
- Y Combinator2 min
America’s First Civil Supersonic Jet to Break the Sound Barrier
Boom Supersonic's XB1 aircraft successfully broke the sound barrier, marking the first time an independently developed supersonic jet has achieved this critical milestone. Founder Blake Scholl led the initiative to validate the safety and operational lessons necessary for scaling future commercial supersonic passenger travel. This achievement demonstrates how pursuing ambitious technological challenges can drive breakthrough solutions while navigating the emotional extremes inherent in high-stakes aviation startups.