Spike Aerospace moves closer to silent supersonic business travel
If the project becomes successful, it could lead to routes that slash long-haul travel times by half
Supersonic passenger flights may be on the verge of a comeback, but this time, without the deafening booms.
Boston-based Spike Aerospace says it has entered a crucial stage in developing its flagship S-512 Diplomat, a business jet promising to connect New York and Paris in under four hours.
The company is completing an advanced design study to fine-tune the aircraft's aerodynamics, cabin layout, and noise-reduction features. Central to the project is its "low-boom" technology, intended to meet strict overland noise regulations. If successful, it could lead to routes that slash long-haul travel times by half.
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Supersonic travel over US territory has been banned since 1973 due to the disruptive sonic boom. Previous icons like the Concorde were fast but costly, noisy and limited in where they could fly. Spike's engineers aim to overcome those barriers with more efficient engines, advanced materials, and designs that soften the boom into a muted signature.
"Our goal is to redefine long-distance travel for business and government leaders, offering the speed of supersonic travel with the comfort and discretion of a private jet," said Vik Kachoria, president and chief executive of Spike Aerospace.
The Diplomat is aimed at high-end business travellers and government officials. Its cabin will cater to both productivity and relaxation, with privacy built into the design.
The company has not disclosed target speeds or entry dates, but says it is working with aerospace veterans, suppliers, and universities to push the project forward.
