Quarterhorse Mk1 completes ground testing

[Zaphod58]

Hermeus announced that ground testing of the Quarterhorse Mk1 has been completed at Edwards AFB. Testing included getting up to speeds of 150 mph on the dry lake bed. Testing was completed in just 21 days. Prior to taxi testing, end-to-end testing between the Flight Deck and aircraft tested redundant RF links as well as potential EMI issues. They also conducted extensive Human Machine Interface testing to ensure the remote operator could get accurate information as well as input precise control inputs. This required significant refinement to inputs. 

The next step will be flight approval from the 412th Test Wing and the FAA. The Mk1 will confirm that the aircraft can take off, land, and perform basic flight maneuvers. The Mk2 will perform supersonic flights, and the Mk3 will demonstrate turbojet to ramjet transition.

EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, CA – Hermeus, a leading aerospace and defense technology company specializing in high-speed aircraft, today announced the completion of the ground portion of the flight test campaign for Quarterhorse Mk 1. This milestone marks the successful integrated testing of all vehicle subsystems as well as the software and hardware in Hermeus’ custom Flight Deck from which Quarterhorse will be remotely piloted.  
This comprehensive ground test campaign at Edwards Air Force Base was completed in just 21 days. 
"Hermeus is redefining the pace at which aircraft can be developed, tested, and fielded,” said AJ Piplica, Co-Founder and CEO of Hermeus. “With Quarterhorse Mk 1, we’ve proven our ability to design and build a clean-sheet aircraft in just 204 days. Now, through this test campaign, we are demonstrating how rapidly and rigorously our team can validate the aircraft for flight – safely and comprehensively."  

https://www.hermeus.com/press-release-mk...g-complete