BladeRunner

Blake Scholl describes how Boom built XB-1, a supersonic demonstrator, with a 50-person team and a software-like approach to hardware development. Boom used simulation tools, in-house manufacturing, and rapid iteration to reduce the time and cost of designing and testing aircraft components. Scholl recounts XB-1’s flights, its demonstration of Mach cutoff, and the company’s work to change U.S. supersonic flight rules. He also shares lessons on building ambitious companies: choose work you care about, learn by making things, engage regulators early when safety matters, and build teams around curiosity and commitment.