First step toward hypersonic aviation: high-speed prototype takes off from Edwards Air Force Base, California
The American company Hermeus has reached a major milestone in the development of hypersonic aircraft by conducting the first flight of its unmanned prototype, the Quarterhorse Mk 1. The test took place at Edwards Air Force Base, California, using the flat, dry surface of Rogers Lake as the runway.
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The Quarterhorse Mk 1 is Hermeus’ first functional aircraft and is powered by a GE J85 turbojet engine. Ground testing was completed in December 2023, including high-speed taxiing with afterburner.
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A journey in four prototypes
Hermeus plans to build four distinct versions of the aircraft, from Mk 0 to Mk 3, each with significant differences in design and propulsion. Every model marks a crucial step toward hypersonic flight. 
The next prototype to be tested will be the Quarterhorse Mk 2, currently under assembly. It will feature a delta wing design and be powered by a Pratt & Whitney F100 engine, reaching speeds of up to Mach 2.5. Its maiden flight is scheduled for late 2025.
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The Quarterhorse Mk 3, meanwhile, will be equipped with an innovative air-to-air precooling system, allowing it to combine turbojet and ramjet engines. This breakthrough is essential to exceed Mach 5 speeds and represents a major leap in modern aeronautical engineering.
The hypersonic race
In addition to Hermeus, other industry giants like GE Aerospace and Stratolaunch are also working on hypersonic technologies, all focusing on vehicle reusability and reducing operational costs.
The Pentagon has been actively supporting these initiatives, recognizing the strategic value of hypersonic capabilities for both defense and civil aviation.
Million-dollar contract and future vision
The Quarterhorse project is being developed under a $60 million contract with the U.S. Air Force, officially announced in November 2021. Hermeus’ long-term ambition is to create transatlantic hypersonic jets — including a future presidential aircraft for the United States.
Source and images: X @hermeuscorp. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
