Quarterhorse MK 2.1 By Hermeus The latest news with Hermeus is relating to the next Quarterhorse test vehicle, the Quarterhorse MK 2.1. You will remember that Hermeus has been working on the Quarterhorse MK 1 which took flight in May of 2025. It is now the turn of the second test vehicle which is expected to fly for the first time this year as well. It will follow a similar pattern of preparation ramp-up towards the first flight. However, it will be a gradual progression which will start with the reintegration of the wings and tail after shipment to New Mexico. There will be system checks, engine ground runs, taxi tests, and then preparation for first flight.
You can see this development as the intermediate stage of the test vehicles as Hermeus plans to fly three Quarterhorses. Once these are flown then the program is anticipated to move on to the Darkhorse stage where hypersonic multi-mission uncrewed aircraft with a military nod is expected to be formulated. The ultimate goal for Hermeus is to be able to produce a 20-passenger civil hypersonic aircraft called the Halcyon.
The program has a long way to go but with the Quarterhorse MK 2.1 gearing-up for first flight, it is no doubt the Hermeus supersonic/hypersonic ambitions are well underway. Hermeus has said Quarterhorse Mk 2 is designed to de-risk uncrewed supersonic flight and will enable both “high-cadence hypersonic flight test and novel operational defense capabilities.”
As the attention changes to Spaceport America (New Mexico) where the testing will get underway. In November 2025, the Atlanta-based company updated saying just two months after engine integration, they integrated the tail and wings on the Quarterhorse Mk 2 vehicle. Of course the wings and tail would be removed for transport to Spaceport America and then reintegrated after. For more information: Hermeus 1954 Airport Rd Atlanta, Georgia 30341 www.hermeus.com ***
