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US Hermeus Poised to Take Major Step in Hypersonic Flight with First Test of Quarterhorse Mk 1.
Hermeus, a U.S.-based company specializing in aerospace innovation, is preparing for a groundbreaking achievement with the maiden flight of its Quarterhorse Mk 1, an uncrewed, remotely piloted jet-powered aircraft. Scheduled for December 2024, this event marks a significant milestone in the development of hypersonic technologies, positioning Hermeus at the forefront of modern aeronautics.
Hermeus is set to achieve a major step with the first flight of its Quarterhorse Mk 1. (Picture source: Hermeus)
Hermeus, a U.S. aerospace innovator, is set to achieve a major milestone with the first flight of its Quarterhorse Mk 1, a remotely piloted jet-powered aircraft. Scheduled for December 2024, this marks a key step in advancing hypersonic technology and solidifies Hermeus' leadership in modern aeronautics.
The U.S. drone development program is part of a broader strategy to enhance the military's capabilities for projection, surveillance, and intervention. By focusing on autonomous or remotely piloted platforms, the United States aims to minimize risks to personnel while increasing operational flexibility. Hermeus' Quarterhorse Mk 1 aligns seamlessly with this approach, exploring hypersonic flight technologies that could revolutionize military drones. Designed to validate complex high-speed procedures, this aircraft represents a crucial step toward drones capable of multi-domain missions at unprecedented speeds, addressing the growing demand for technological and strategic superiority within the armed forces.
Powered by a GE J85 engine, the Quarterhorse Mk 1 stands out for its rapid design process: it was developed, built, and integrated in just seven months. This model is designed to validate high-speed takeoff and landing procedures, a critical prerequisite for future hypersonic aircraft. The inaugural flight will take place at Edwards Air Force Base in California, a historic site for cutting-edge aviation testing.
This project is part of an iterative strategy adopted by Hermeus. Each version of the Quarterhorse, starting with the Mk 0—a ground prototype that completed testing in 2023—advances in complexity to mitigate risks and accelerate knowledge acquisition. The Quarterhorse Mk 1 is a key step toward the development of the Mk 2, expected in 2025, which will feature a Pratt & Whitney F100 engine capable of supersonic flights. The ultimate goal is to create "Darkhorse," a hypersonic multi-mission aircraft designed for defense and national security applications.
Hermeus’s ambitions extend beyond military applications. The company also aims to revolutionize commercial air transport with "Halcyon," a hypersonic passenger aircraft capable of connecting New York to London in just 90 minutes. By integrating advanced technologies such as hybrid turbojet-ramjet engines, Hermeus could redefine long-distance travel.
The flight of the Quarterhorse Mk 1 is a decisive step toward realizing these goals. By combining rapid technological innovation and agile development processes, Hermeus demonstrates its ability to push the boundaries of aerospace engineering. If successful, the company could not only transform military operations but also redefine global transportation.
With this achievement, Hermeus cements its position as a leader in the race for hypersonic flight, paving the way for a new era in defense and commercial aviation.