Spike Aerospace says it has been working with two engine makers and is in early discussions with a third for potential powerplant options for its S-512 supersonic jet. The company is seeking an existing engine that could be modified to provide the capabilities to meet the initial plans for an 18-passenger jet that would fly at up to Mach 1.6 with a low sonic boom.

"Several engines are very close to what we need,” said Spike Aerospace CEO and president Vik Kachoria. “As we work with the engine suppliers, we will have a better understanding of which one will meet the requirements.

Spike estimates that a modified existing engine could cut the development time at least in half, and the goal is to bring the supersonic jet to market in 2022. The company did not disclose the engine manufacturers, but said it expects the evaluations to continue for up to a year and take into consideration operating costs, emissions, noise and fuel efficiency. Spike specified that it is looking for a low- to medium-bypass-ratio engine producing about 20,000 pounds of thrust at sea level.

Founded in 2013 in Boston, Spike now has 40 aerospace engineers working on the project. Earlier this year it partnered with Spanish aerostructures specialist Aernnova on development of the aircraft. Aernnova is providing structural expertise and collaborating on development and validation of structural systems such as the fuselage, wing and vertical tail.