Watch the Hypersonic Jet Push Limits – This $135M Breakthrough Could Take You From London to NYC in 2 Hours!

The future of air travel is racing forward, with a groundbreaking hypersonic aircraft project moving one step closer to reality. The Quarterhorse MKII, an ambitious hypersonic jet, is set to revolutionize how we travel, cutting the flight time from London to New York to under two hours.

Hermeus, the U.S.-based aerospace company behind the project, has chosen Cecil Airport in Jacksonville, Florida, as the site for its new engine testing facility. This development is key to advancing the Quarterhorse’s journey from concept to operational aircraft, making hypersonic travel not just an idea but an impending reality.

Hypersonic Travel: Faster Than Sound

The Quarterhorse MKII is no ordinary aircraft. It is designed to fly at speeds five times faster than sound, reaching a remarkable Mach 2.5, which translates to 1,918 miles per hour. This would make crossing the Atlantic a mere two-hour journey, forever changing long-haul travel and shrinking the world in ways never before thought possible.

The aircraft’s speed isn’t just a claim – it’s backed by extensive research and development at Hermeus. With the support of their new testing site, known as the High Enthalpy Air-Breathing Test Facility (HEAT), Hermeus is aiming to set new standards in aviation technology. This test site will support the development of air-breathing hypersonic engines, allowing the Quarterhorse to break the speed limits set by traditional commercial planes.

Testing Begins Soon

Hermeus is wasting no time in putting this facility to use. The first engine tests at sea level are expected to take place later this year. These tests will be crucial in developing the proprietary Chimera engine, a key piece of technology for the Quarterhorse’s hypersonic capabilities. Alongside Chimera, other engines like the Pratt & Whitney F100 will be tested at the Jacksonville site.

This facility is not only significant for the advancement of commercial flight but also for military applications. The U.S. Department of Defense is showing great interest in the potential of hypersonic technology for defense purposes, and Jacksonville is set to become a hub for testing engines and propulsion systems that could be used for high-speed military aircraft.

Commercial and Military Uses

While the end goal is to transform commercial aviation, Hermeus is also working closely with government agencies. The Quarterhorse MKII and its successor, the MKIII, are expected to serve both civilian and military purposes. As AJ Piplica, the CEO of Hermeus, explained, “The United States is lacking in the capability to rapidly and economically test air-breathing hypersonic engines.” This gap is what Hermeus aims to fill with their new facility, offering more accessible testing that meets both military and commercial needs.

Once fully operational, the Jacksonville test site will also host flight test services. Starting in 2026, the Quarterhorse will launch from Cecil Airport, fly to the Eastern Range for test operations, and return to Cecil. Hermeus plans to conduct weekly flight tests, ensuring the aircraft is continually refined and ready for the demands of high-speed travel.

Eyes on the Future

The Quarterhorse is just the beginning for Hermeus. After mastering the MKII, the company has set its sights on the next goal: the Quarterhorse MKIII. This aircraft aims to break the all-time airspeed record, potentially becoming the world’s fastest aircraft. Hermeus’ vision of hypersonic travel isn’t limited to just commercial passengers but extends to uncrewed, high-speed military planes as well.

As the race for hypersonic travel heats up, other players are also entering the field. Talks are underway in the UK for the development of a hypersonic jet dubbed the “Son of Concorde,” which could slash travel times between London and the U.S. to just 60 minutes.

Big Investments and Job Creation

The hypersonic race isn’t just about speed—it’s also about jobs and investments. Hermeus is pouring $135 million into the HEAT facility, and the project is expected to create more than 100 jobs. This facility will not only be a testing ground for hypersonic engines but will also play a pivotal role in advancing the next generation of aviation technology.

The excitement around hypersonic travel is undeniable. It promises to change not just how fast we can travel but how connected the world will feel. With the Quarterhorse MKII leading the way, the dream of zipping across oceans in a matter of hours is closer than ever.

As Hermeus pushes forward with this revolutionary project, the sky is no longer the limit—it’s just the beginning.