Hermeus Quarterhorse Mk 1: A New Era of Hypersonic Flight Begins

Hermeus, a leading developer of hypersonic aircraft, has successfully conducted ground tests of its first prototype, the Quarterhorse Mk 1. These tests included high-speed runway runs, marking a significant milestone in the company's ambitious goal to create the world's fastest aircraft. While Hermeus initially promised the first flight of the Quarterhorse Mk 1 by the end of summer 2024, the recent taxi tests suggest that the development program might be facing some delays. However, such delays are not uncommon in the aviation industry, particularly for such groundbreaking projects. The Quarterhorse Mk 1 is a subsonic aircraft designed to refine and test various systems before transitioning to the supersonic Mk 2 model. The ultimate goal is to develop the Quarterhorse Mk 3, which is expected to break the Mach 5 barrier. Hermeus aims to surpass the speed record set by the Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird in 1976, reaching a staggering 3,529 km/h (Mach 3.3). To achieve this, the Quarterhorse Mk 2 will be comparable in size to an F-16 fighter jet and will utilize the same P&W F100 powerplant with modifications. A key technology for reaching hypersonic speeds will be pre-cooling, although the specific details remain undisclosed. The future of hypersonic flight is uncertain, but Hermeus' progress with the Quarterhorse Mk 1 represents a significant step forward. As the company continues to push the boundaries of aviation technology, the world eagerly awaits the day when the fastest aircraft ever built takes to the skies. Visuals: Hermeus Be a Member for exclusive privileges - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCviEFTf1xIPKsjmyF_zvFug/join