Powering Supersonic Flight Without Afterburners

Generating thrust for supersonic flight has historically relied on afterburners — powerful but inefficient systems that increase noise, emissions, and fuel burn. The Concorde’s reliance on afterburners made it incompatible with modern airport noise regulations and contributed to its environmental footprint.

Spike Aerospace is taking a different approach. Its propulsion systems incorporate high-efficiency turbofan architecture, variable-geometry inlets, and optimized bypass ratios. These components work together to deliver the necessary thrust for takeoff and cruise while minimizing fuel consumption and acoustic impact.

The result is an engine system designed to meet 21st-century regulatory standards without compromising performance. This enables quiet, efficient supersonic travel across a broader range of routes and airports — supersonic flight without afterburners.

Read more on how we are solving the biggest challenges to supersonic flight.

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