Development of Quiet Supersonic Jets Paves the Way for the Future of Air Travel

The sonic boom of Concorde, a groundbreaking aircraft that once sped across the skies, spelled its ultimate downfall more than two decades ago. Its thunderous 110-decibel roar ensured the jet was banned from flying over land, limiting its usage to transatlantic routes. Alongside prohibitive maintenance costs and a fatal crash, the disruption caused by its boom made supersonic travel unsustainable.

Now, new advancements in aerodynamics, engineering, and aircraft design are making supersonic flight a viable option once again. Spike Aerospace, a US-based startup, is addressing the key challenge of noise pollution to make high-speed air travel suitable for broader markets. The company is developing the S-512 Diplomat, a jet promised to transform the industry, with a projected cruising speed of Mach 1.6 at 50,000 feet.

By employing a process known as aerodynamic shaping, Spike has optimised the fuselage, wings, and nose of the aircraft to minimise and redirect the sonic impact. Instead of a loud, ground-shaking bang, the S-512 will emit what is described as a sonic thump—akin to the sound of a car door shutting from a distance of 100 feet. By reducing the shock wave’s intensity and dispersing it upwards, the perceived loudness is expected to be under 75 decibels, well below regulatory limits for overland flight.

The 18-28 seat S-512 will be priced at approximately $125m (£97m), comparable in cost to a Boeing 737. Its innovative cranked delta wing design not only reduces drag and increases efficiency but also enhances passenger comfort. Unlike traditional aircraft, the S-512 will feature a windowless cabin, replacing them with high-quality digital screens that provide passengers with real-time panoramic views or customised personal displays for entertainment or work.

Spike’s plans extend beyond quiet flight. The company intends to use sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), capable of reducing carbon emissions by as much as 80 per cent compared with kerosene. Though alternative energies such as hydrogen and electric power have been explored, SAF is regarded as the most viable option for the foreseeable future, making the S-512 an environmentally conscious solution for global travel.

Certification poses one of the biggest challenges, requiring rigorous testing to meet modern aviation and noise regulations. Spike is dedicating a third of its budget solely to regulatory compliance, expecting the testing process to take at least three years and involve over 3,000 hours of flight trials. The company is targeting the early 2030s for launch, aligning its timeline with the global availability of SAF.

The S-512’s core market will likely include business executives and government officials seeking expedited travel for key missions. Interest from airlines could further broaden its potential applications, with operators predicting a premium of up to 30 per cent above the cost of existing business-class tickets. With an anticipated market of 25 million annual passengers, Spike forecasts a need for as many as 850 supersonic planes over the next two decades.

Spearheading a new era of supersonic travel, Spike Aerospace is investing in every facet of innovation and practicality. Whether in noise reduction, cutting-edge cabin design, or reduced environmental impact, the S-512 is positioned to revolutionise how we travel swiftly and sustainably across the globe.