U.S. DIU Awards Hermeus $159M for Quarterhorse Hypersonic Drone Tests
The U.S. Defense Innovation Unit awarded Hermeus an additional $159 million, raising the total contract to $219 million for developing the Quarterhorse drone, a high-speed unmanned aircraft capable of Mach 3+ speeds. The funding supports flight tests in 2026-2027, with the Air Force and Navy as partners. The drone, described as an "unmanned F-16," aims to provide game-changing warfighting capabilities, including strike and reconnaissance roles, advancing Pentagon hypersonic priorities.
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Hermeus Wins DIU Contract for Quarterhorse Hypersonic Drone Testing
Venture capital-backed aerospace startup Hermeus announced on May 28 that its Quarterhorse unmanned aircraft will conduct a series of flight tests under a contract with the U.S. Defense Innovation Unit (DIU). The Quarterhorse is a high-speed, hypersonic-capable drone designed for rapid reconnaissance and strike missions. The DIU contract aims to accelerate testing of the aircraft's propulsion and flight systems, supporting the Pentagon's interest in reusable hypersonic platforms. Hermeus, known for developing the Mach 5+ Quarterhorse, has previously received funding from the U.S. Air Force and private investors. The flight tests are expected to demonstrate sustained supersonic and hypersonic speeds, advancing the military's capabilities in high-speed unmanned aerial vehicles.
RealClearDefense - HomepageHypersonic Startup Hermeus Wins $159M DIU Contract for High-Speed Drone Testing
Venture-backed startup Hermeus announced a $159 million contract with the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) to conduct flight tests of its Quarterhorse unmanned aircraft over the next few years. The company recently achieved Mach 1.21 with its Mk 2.1 prototype, the first privately funded unmanned aircraft to reach supersonic speeds. Hermeus plans to expand the flight envelope, targeting Mach 1.6 in summer 2025 and Mach 3 by 2027. The contract involves providing flight data to the Air Force and Navy to inform future high-speed military aircraft concepts. Hermeus is also exploring potential roles for Quarterhorse as a weapon system, including for the Collaborative Combat Aircraft program or as a strike/electronic attack platform. The Pentagon has identified hypersonics as a critical technology priority.
Air & Space Forces MagazineHypersonic Startup Hermeus Wins $159M DIU Contract for High-Speed Drone Testing
Venture-backed startup Hermeus announced a $159 million contract with the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) to conduct flight tests of its Quarterhorse unmanned aircraft over the next few years. The company recently achieved Mach 1.21 with its Mk 2.1 prototype, the first privately funded unmanned aircraft to reach supersonic speeds. Hermeus plans to expand the flight envelope, targeting Mach 1.6 in summer 2025 and Mach 3 by 2027. The contract will provide flight data to the Air Force and Navy to inform future high-speed military aircraft concepts. Hermeus is also exploring potential roles for Quarterhorse as a weapon system, including for the Collaborative Combat Aircraft program or as a strike/electronic attack platform. The Pentagon has designated scaled hypersonics as a critical technology priority.
Air & Space Forces MagazineHypersonic Startup Hermeus Wins $159M Contract for High-Speed Drone Testing with Defense Innovation Unit
Venture-backed startup Hermeus announced a $159 million contract with the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) to conduct flight tests of its Quarterhorse unmanned aircraft over the next few years. The company recently achieved Mach 1.21 with its Mk 2.1 prototype, the first privately funded unmanned aircraft to reach supersonic speeds. Hermeus plans to expand the flight envelope, targeting Mach 1.6 in summer 2025 and Mach 3 by 2027. The contract will provide flight data to the Air Force and Navy to inform future high-speed military aircraft concepts. The Quarterhorse, about the size of an unmanned F-16 with 30,000 pounds of thrust, could serve as a weapon platform or testbed for programs like Collaborative Combat Aircraft. DIU officials see potential for mass production as a game-changing warfighting capability.
Air & Space Forces MagazineDIU Increases Hermeus Contract for High-Speed Quarterhorse Drone Development
The Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) awarded aircraft startup Hermeus an additional $159 million, raising the total contract ceiling to $219 million for the development of the Quarterhorse drone. The unmanned aircraft, described by CEO Zach Shore as an 'unmanned F-16,' is designed to carry and release payloads at speeds up to Mach 3. The funding will cover flight tests in 2026 and 2027, including the Mk 2.2 and Mk 2.3 variants. Air Force Maj. Gen. Joseph Kunkel stated the platform could become a 'game-changing warfighting capability' if mass-produced. The contract also brings the Air Force and Navy on as partners. Hermeus is iteratively developing the Quarterhorse, with past subsonic and supersonic flights, and aims for eventual hypersonic speeds (Mach 5+) using its Chimera engine.
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