Quarterhorse Mk 1 completes low-speed taxi tests

Hermeus/Quarterhorse

Hermeus completed low-speed taxi tests of Quarterhorse Mk 1 to gather data on all integrated systems before first flight, planned for later in 2024. The subsonic Mk 1 is a stepping stone to the supersonic Mk 2 and hypersonic Mk 3, with Hermeus aiming for the Mk 2 as its first product offering to the Pentagon.

• Mk 1 powered by General Electric J85 engine, to be tested at Edwards Air Force Base later in 2024
• Mk 2 planned for 2025 with F100 engine modified with Hermeus-built precooling to exceed normal supersonic speeds
• Mk 3 to incorporate full Chimera II propulsion system and exceed Mach 3.3, faster than the SR-71
• Hermeus estimates capacity of approximately a dozen Mk 2 drones annually, pending Pentagon demand signals