Spike Aerospace says they will build the world’s first ‘quiet’ supersonic business jet and fly a subsonic prototype of the aircraft in 2017.

The Spike S-512 Quiet Supersonic Jet carries 18 passengers and utilizes Spike’s proprietary technology, Quiet Supersonic Flight (QSF) which minimizes the sonic boom by optimizing the aerodynamic design of the aircraft.

Engineering is on track for a first flight of a subsonic prototype of the jet. The prototype will demonstrate low-speed aerodynamic flight characteristic. This will be followed by a series of larger jets with a supersonic demonstrator already in the works.

“We made a lot of progress in 2016 in engineering and with the addition of a number of engineers and partners. Our plans for 2017 are even more exciting as we continue development of the Spike S-512 Quiet Supersonic Jet. I’m looking forward to first demo flight very soon.” said Vik Kachoria, President & CEO of Spike Aerospace. – Spike Aerospace

Spike claims passengers will be able to fly  from from New York to London in just three hours compared to six hours for regular passenger airliners.

Spike Aerospace is not the only player with supersonic commercial aspirations. Boom Technology, Inc recently introduced their XB1 Baby Boom prototype which they hope to fly in late 2017. Boom Technology is backed by Richard Branson the owner of Virgin Group.

Featured image by Spike Aerospace