The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration has authorized Hermeus to conduct up to seven supersonic flights with its uncrewed Quarterhorse Mk 2.1 aircraft through the end of 2026. This approval, effective April 9, enables the Atlanta-based startup to break the Mach 1 barrier in restricted airspace over White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico at altitudes above 30,000 feet.
The clearance follows the aircraft’s first subsonic flight on March 2 from Spaceport America, marking Hermeus’ second inaugural flight in under a year. Powered by a Pratt & Whitney F100 engine, the Mk 2.1 validates high-speed aerodynamics, propulsion integration, and autonomous controls.
Hermeus requested the special flight authorization in January, which the FAA approved after confirming compliance with regulations and minimal environmental impact based on prior range studies. This regulatory milestone removes a major barrier, allowing real-world data collection critical for the company’s rapid development cycle.
Future variants like Mk 2.2 and Mk 2.3 will target higher speeds toward Mach 5, building toward hypersonic capabilities with advanced propulsion for Quarterhorse Mk 3. The tests support Hermeus’ goal of operational hypersonic flight by 2030, advancing reusable high-speed aviation for defense and commercial markets.