Hermeus Quarterhorse receives Special Airworthiness Certificate from FAA

Hermeus has announced that its unmanned supersonic Quarterhorse Mk 2.1 has received a Special Airworthiness Certificate from the FAA. The Experimental Category (SAC-EC) certification permits Hermeus to begin its test flight campaign and work towards supersonic flight. It follows a year of development, building and testing between the FAA and Hermeus. The Mk 2.1 will be tested at Spaceport America in New Mexico within White Sands Missile Range airspace, where the unmanned aircraft will be tested at progressively higher altitudes and speeds. "We are thankful for the diligent work of the FAA," said Jay Wagemann, Hermeus director of mission operations. "Their team conducted a rigorous inspection and gained real confidence in the aircraft; now, we will continue our flight test campaign, collecting vital data and pushing the limits of high-speed flight". The Mk 2.1 performed its first flight on March 3. The flight was the company's second first flight in less than a year. It completed the first flight of the Mk 1 in May 2025, which Hermeus claims validated the company's development approach. The Mk 2.1 is roughly the size of an F-16 and is significantly faster than its predecessor. The company states that it is one of the largest unmanned aircraft ever built. The Mk 2.1 was flown remotely from Hermeus' ground-based flight deck, which validates its aircraft systems, handling qualities and operational procedures. RELATED STORIES: Hermeus completes first flight of latest supersonic Quarterhorse aircraft Hermeus Quarterhorse Mk 2.1 arrives at Spaceport America in New Mexico Hermeus brings first phase of HEAT facility online with engine testing Hermeus' Quarterhorse program follows a development roadmap where multiple are designed, built, and flown in quick succession, with each increasing in speed and performance based on data from the previous. Quarterhorse Mk 2.1 will be followed by the Mk 2.2, which the company expects to become the world's fastest unmanned aircraft. Hermeus' end goal is to unlock sustained ramjet-powered flight for the U.S. within this decade.