Hermeus, a high-speed aircraft manufacturer headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, has successfully completed the first flight of its latest Quarterhorse aircraft at Spaceport America.
Hermeus’ Quarterhorse Mk 2.1 vehicle readies for its first flight Friday, Feb. 27, 2026, at Spaceport America (photo credit: Hermeus)
The flight of the Quarterhorse Mk 2.1 marks the second inaugural flight conducted by Hermeus in less than a year and the company’s first since beginning operations at Spaceport America in December 2025. One of the largest unmanned aircraft ever flown, the Quarterhorse Mk 2.1 is comparable in size to an F-16 and is powered by a Pratt & Whitney F100 engine, produced by RTX.
The aircraft’s maiden flight was conducted as a remote pilot operation from Hermeus’ ground-based flight deck. This test represents the first step in a planned campaign designed to bring the unmanned aircraft to supersonic speeds.
“We’re building and flying aircraft on timelines that match the urgency of the world we’re in,” said AJ Piplica, CEO and founder of Hermeus. “Today’s flight begins a critical flight test campaign that will ultimately lead us to supersonic speeds, bringing the United States closer to having the high-speed capability it needs today rather than decades from now.”
The Quarterhorse program follows a rapid, iterative development strategy in which multiple aircraft are designed, built, and flown in quick succession. The Mk 2 phase includes several aircraft configurations focused on achieving and expanding supersonic flight. The next version, Quarterhorse Mk 2.2, is expected to become the world’s fastest unmanned aircraft.
“Hermeus wanted to move quickly, and we were able to move quickly alongside them, helping them establish a site suitable for this kind of unique operation,” said Scott McLaughlin, Executive Director of the New Mexico Spaceport Authority. “This is a great example of Spaceport America working with private industry and our partners at the Department of Defense and the U.S. Army White Sands Missile Range to advance the nation’s technology and future capabilities.”
Through the Quarterhorse Mk 2 program, Hermeus continues progressing toward its long-term goal of sustained ramjet-powered flight. Ramjet engines use high-speed airflow to mix fuel and generate thrust, and are most commonly used in experimental aircraft operating at or above Mach 2.
“We’re grateful for the opportunity to operate at Spaceport America,” Piplica added. “The Spaceport team and the professionals at White Sands Missile Range have been strong partners as we prepare for this campaign. This range gives us the space and flexibility to move quickly, operate safely, and maximize what we learn with every test window.”
