Hermeus, an American startup, unveiled the Quarterhorse Mk1, a new high-speed unmanned jet aircraft prototype at its factory in Atlanta on March 28. The prototype is a significant step towards the company’s long-term goal of building the first reusable hypersonic aircraft capable of flying at five times the speed of sound or more.
The Mk1 will be the first aircraft produced by Hermeus to take to the skies. Test flights to assess high-speed takeoff and landing capabilities are planned to take place at Edwards Air Force Base later this year. Hermeus is collaborating with the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) to showcase high-speed mobility through this aircraft prototype.
Hermeus has already conducted ground trials with the previous version, the Quarterhorse Mk0, last year. According to AJ Piplica, the founder and CEO of Hermeus,
