Hermeus
Hermeus is a company focused on developing hypersonic aircraft, including models like Chimera, Quarterhorse, Darkhorse, and Halcyon, to revolutionize air travel and defense capabilities.
Company Overview
Hermeus is dedicated to developing hypersonic aircraft with the goal of making hypersonic flight operational quickly and cost-effectively. The company employs a hardware-rich, iterative approach, utilizing modern computing and autonomy to advance its technology.
Fundraising and Investment
Hermeus successfully raised $100 million in a Series B funding round led by Sam Altman. This investment is instrumental in advancing the company's hypersonic aircraft technology and pushing the boundaries of flight speed and efficiency.
Defense Innovation Unit Contract
Hermeus has signed a multi-year contract with the Defense Innovation Unit to develop and mature hypersonic aircraft subsystem and mission system technology. This partnership aims to enhance national defense capabilities through advanced aerospace innovation.
Product Line
Hermeus' product lineup includes the Chimera, Quarterhorse, Darkhorse, and Halcyon. Each product represents different stages of hypersonic aircraft development, from hybrid engines to uncrewed defense missions and high-speed trans-oceanic travel.
Chimera Engine
The Chimera engine is a hybrid engine, combining a turbojet and ramjet to enable aircraft to take off, break the sound barrier, and accelerate to hypersonic speeds. This innovative engine is pivotal in Hermeus' technological advancements.
Quarterhorse Aircraft
Quarterhorse is designed to break the nearly 50-year-old airspeed record held by the SR-71. It serves as a platform for commercial testing and development in hypersonic flight, helping to validate and refine the company's aerospace technologies.
Darkhorse Aircraft
Darkhorse is an uncrewed hypersonic aircraft primarily aimed at defense and national security missions. It features multi-mission flexibility and is fully reusable, showcasing Hermeus' commitment to sustainable and advanced defense solutions.
Halcyon Aircraft
Halcyon is designed to accelerate more than 125 trans-oceanic routes at hypersonic speeds. The aircraft aims to significantly reduce travel time on popular routes such as New York to London, potentially saving millions of hours annually.