Aviation

Boom Supersonic to Roll Out Historic XB-1 Demonstrator Oct. 7

DENVER – July 8, 2020 – Boom Supersonic, the aerospace company building the world’s fastest airliner today
announced that its supersonic demonstrator, XB-1, will roll out on October 7, 2020. In keeping with CDC-recommended social distancing measures, the entire event will be available online and allow attendees an opportunity to
submit questions to company leadership.
XB-1 is the world’s first independently developed supersonic jet and will demonstrate key technologies for
Overture, Boom’s commercial airliner, such as advanced carbon fiber composite construction, computer-optimized
high-efficiency aerodynamics, and an efficient supersonic propulsion system. XB-1 is the end product of years
of development effort, including multiple wind tunnel tests, dozens of structural tests, hundreds of simulation
iterations, and tens of thousands of work hours.

To design and build XB-1, Boom has recruited a team of experts from around the industry, established supplier relationships, and built a strong safety culture. XB-1 is the first aircraft program to announce a 100% carbon-neutral
flight test program. The company’s innovations include one of the highest-efficiency civil supersonic intakes ever
tested, demonstrating Boom’s ability to deliver a breakthrough in propulsive efficiency for Overture. XB-1 will begin
its test program later this year and is slated for first flight in 2021.
Boom’s commercial aircraft, Overture, will be the fastest and most sustainable supersonic airliner, flying twice as
fast as any commercial airplane today—allowing Boom to bring families, businesses, and cultures closer together
through supersonic travel and thus, make the world dramatically more accessible.

The company is hosting a virtual rollout event to give the world a first look at the completed aircraft and hear from
the team that designed, built and will test the aircraft. The lead engineers, test pilots and company leadership will
explore the technical and design innovations, the flight and handling criteria and how the demonstrator positions the
company to build its flagship, Overture. Stay up to date on details about the event at boomsupersonic.com/xb-1.

Aviation

Egypt has signed an agreement with China to purchase J-10C fighter jets

Egypt has become the second country, after Pakistan, to order China’s Chengdu J-10C “Vigorous Dragon” fighter jets, marking a significant shift in its military strategy.

The announcement, made during the inaugural Egypt International Air Show from September 3 to 5 at El Alamein International Airport, reveals Egypt’s intent to replace its aging fleet of U.S. F-16s.

The J-10C, a highly capable 4.5-generation multi-role fighter jet, was showcased by China for the first time on African soil during the air show. It features advanced air-to-air and air-to-ground weaponry, making it a formidable alternative to Egypt’s current fleet.

Known for its air superiority missions, the J-10C has often been compared to the American F-16, which has been the backbone of the Egyptian Air Force since the 1980s.

However, with Egypt’s F-16s now considered outdated against modern air defense systems, the decision to transition to the Chinese fighters underscores a major upgrade in Egypt’s combat capabilities.

This move not only signals Egypt’s intent to reduce its reliance on U.S. defense systems but also reflects a broader shift in its international alliances.

Despite a long-standing defense relationship with the U.S., evidenced by a recent acquisition of C-130J Hercules transport aircraft through the U.S. Foreign Military Sales program, Egypt is clearly looking eastward.

The decision comes amid growing concerns over U.S. policies in the Middle East, including its stance on Israeli operations in Gaza, which may have influenced Cairo’s pivot to Chinese military technology.

China’s increasing presence in the Middle East and North Africa is bolstered by such deals, as Beijing continues to expand its influence through military cooperation and economic partnerships, particularly in energy imports.

The Egypt International Air Show provided a platform for showcasing this growing military-industrial relationship.