Hermeus Quarterhorse Receives FAA Certification for Supersonic Test Flights

The unmanned Quarterhorse Mk 2.1 aircraft will begin high-speed test campaign at Spaceport America.

Mar. 14, 2026 at 5:17pm

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Hermeus, a aerospace company, has announced that its unmanned supersonic Quarterhorse Mk 2.1 aircraft has received a Special Airworthiness Certificate from the FAA. This certification allows Hermeus to begin its test flight campaign and work towards achieving supersonic flight. The Mk 2.1 will be tested at Spaceport America in New Mexico within White Sands Missile Range airspace, where the aircraft will be tested at progressively higher altitudes and speeds.

Why it matters

The Quarterhorse program is part of Hermeus' efforts to unlock sustained ramjet-powered flight for the U.S. within this decade. The Mk 2.1 is significantly faster than its predecessor and is one of the largest unmanned aircraft ever built, representing an important milestone in the company's development roadmap.

The details

The Mk 2.1 performed its first flight on March 3, which was the company's second first flight in less than a year. The aircraft was flown remotely from Hermeus' ground-based flight deck, validating its aircraft systems, handling qualities and operational procedures. The Mk 2.1 is roughly the size of an F-16 and will be followed by the Mk 2.2, which Hermeus expects to become the world's fastest unmanned aircraft.

  • The Mk 2.1 performed its first flight on March 3, 2026.
  • Hermeus completed the first flight of the Mk 1 in May 2025.

The players

Hermeus

An aerospace company developing supersonic aircraft, including the Quarterhorse program.

Jay Wagemann

Hermeus' director of mission operations.

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)

The U.S. government agency responsible for the regulation of civil aviation.

Spaceport America

A commercial spaceport located in New Mexico, where Hermeus will conduct test flights of the Quarterhorse Mk 2.1.

White Sands Missile Range

A U.S. military installation in New Mexico, where the Quarterhorse Mk 2.1 will be tested at progressively higher altitudes and speeds.

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What they’re saying

“We are thankful for the diligent work of the FAA. 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.”

— Jay Wagemann, Director of Mission Operations

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

Hermeus' Quarterhorse program represents a significant step forward in the development of high-speed, unmanned aircraft technology, as the company works to unlock sustained ramjet-powered flight for the U.S. within this decade.