News: Hermeus Greenlit For Supersonic Flights With MK2.1

Quarterhorse MK 2.1 Supersonic Flights Go Ahead
​

Quarterhorse MK 2.1 experimental vehicle by Hermeus has been given the greenlight to commence supersonic flight. On April 9th the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approved test flights for the Quarterhorse MK 2.1 above MACH 1. The program is going through incremental steps across the Quarterhorse program. The first example went through similar points of progression and now the second iteration is being stepped-up incrementally towards supersonic flight. Once this hurdle is surmounted, they will move onto MK.3.

The test flights will be conducted higher than 30,000-feet over White Sands Missile Range located in New Mexico. Hermeus has asked for permission to conduct at least 7 supersonic flights this year down to the end of December. Casting it back to last month where the company conducted subsonic flight in early March of the MK 2.1 vehicle.

However, Hermeus will not stay at the supersonic level as this is merely a stepping stone to where they want to finish, which is hypersonic flight. With the MK 3 version, hypersonic flight is expected to be achieved utilizing a regular conventional turbofan that will pair ramjet technology to be able to run the aircraft through all phases from the taking-off, subsonic, supersonic and hypersonic flights. The Hermeus project is also aiming to create a reusable vehicle by 2030.

“Subsequent phases will continue to push toward Hermeus’ end goal of unlocking sustained ramjet-powered flight and delivering operational hypersonic capability for the United States this decade,” the company says. JF will keep you informed when the first supersonic flight takes place for the the MK 2.1 iteration of the Quarterhorse.

For more information:

Hermeus
1954 Airport Rd
Atlanta, Georgia 30341
www.hermeus.com

***​