Hermeus Marks a Significant Milestone with First Hypersonic Aircraft Flight
Atlanta-based hypersonic startup Hermeus has made a significant stride in the high-speed aviation technology sector. In May 2025, the company successfully completed the first flight of its Quarterhorse Mk 1 aircraft at Edwards Air Force Base.
The uncrewed, remotely piloted aircraft, powered by a GE J85 engine, demonstrated critical high-speed takeoff and landing capabilities. This flight test campaign served to validate the company’s rapid development approach. Remarkably, the Mk 1 transitioned from a clean sheet design to flight-ready in just over a year.
“This achievement redefined the pace of developing and flying new aircraft,” emphasized CEO AJ Piplica. He further highlighted that this accomplishment proved the viability of their iterative development strategy.
Currently, Hermeus is in the process of building the Quarterhorse Mk 2. This aircraft is scheduled to take its inaugural flight by the end of 2025 and is designed to achieve supersonic speeds.
The company’s ambitious roadmap includes the following key milestones:
- Develop autonomous, reusable near-hypersonic flight capabilities by 2026
- Receive support from the Air Force Research Laboratory and Defense Innovation Unit
This program represents a crucial step toward operationalizing hypersonic technologies for both defense and commercial applications.
Source: Defense News