Startup Hermeus is developing hypersonic propulsion system for their Quarterhorse and Darkhorse vehicles. This could be achieving mach 5 speeds in 2026 to 2027.
Quarterhorse Development Timeline:
Mk 1: The first flyable version of Quarterhorse, Mk 1, is set for flight tests later in 2024. These tests will focus on high-speed takeoffs and landings
Mk 2: Scheduled for 2025, Mk 2 will be powered by a Pratt and Whitney F100 engine, enabling supersonic flight. This version will serve as a precursor to the full hypersonic capabilities planned for future iterations
Mk 3: Expected to be developed by 2026, Mk 3 will incorporate Hermeus’ Chimera II propulsion system, which includes a modified F100 engine. This version aims to achieve speeds faster than Mach 3.3, supporting Defense Department testing.
Hermeus is developing a turbine-based combined-cycle (TBCC) engine called Chimera.
This is two engines in one:
A turbojet for lower speeds
A ramjet for higher speeds
Chimera II: This is an upgraded version of the Chimera engine
It is bigger and uses an F100 engine instead of a J85.
Hermeus makes their own afterburners. They cut off any afterburners in the standard engine and then run the turbines faster for more performance. The F100 engine used in Chimera II will operate in max afterburner mode for a couple of minutes at the beginning of the flight.
Hermeus has created their own precooler that helps bridge the gap between turbojet and ramjet modes, increasing the performance of the turbine.
Ramjet: The ramjet takes over from the turbojet at higher speeds. It includes an inlet, ram burner, and bypass system developed by Hermeus. They were using the afterburner as a ramjet as well.
Bypass System: Allows incoming air to be routed around the turbojet when the ramjet takes over
Engine Transition
The F100 turbojet will accelerate the aircraft to about Mach 3.
The engine will be fully bypassed, allowing the ramjet to take over.
The turbojet will spool down and cool during the ramjet operation.
The drone will go into a steep dive to increase speed to Mach 4 and beyond.
Quarterhorse Variants
Mk 1: Uses a General Electric J85 engine for subsonic flight
Mk 2: Will use a Pratt & Whitney F100 engine, enabling supersonic flight
Mk 3: Will incorporate the full Chimera II system, aiming to achieve speeds faster than Mach 3.3
Darkhorse -military drones
Will use the Chimera II propulsion system
Designed to reach hypersonic speeds (Mach 5+)
Brian Wang is a Futurist Thought Leader and a popular Science blogger with 1 million readers per month. His blog Nextbigfuture.com is ranked #1 Science News Blog. It covers many disruptive technology and trends including Space, Robotics, Artificial Intelligence, Medicine, Anti-aging Biotechnology, and Nanotechnology.
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