Hermeus Corporation

Hermeus is an American aerospace company focused on the rapid design, development, and testing of high-Mach and hypersonic aircraft for national security and commercial applications. The company's mission is to accelerate air travel and provide an asymmetric advantage for the United States and its allies by revolutionizing global transportation through advanced high-speed flight technology. Founded in 2018, Hermeus recently relocated its headquarters from Atlanta, Georgia, to El Segundo, California, in April 2026, while maintaining Atlanta as a key production facility. The company also operates locations in Washington D.C. and Jacksonville, Florida.

Hermeus's product portfolio includes several aircraft platforms and propulsion systems. Key developments include the Quarterhorse series of experimental aircraft, the Darkhorse uncrewed hypersonic military jet, and the proprietary Chimera engine, a hybrid turbine-based combined cycle system designed for sustained hypersonic flight. While initially pursuing commercial hypersonic airliners like Halcyon, the company has primarily focused on defense and national security markets, developing high-speed uncrewed aircraft in collaboration with the U.S. Air Force and other government agencies.

In May 2026, Hermeus achieved a significant milestone with the Quarterhorse Mk 2.1 demonstrator, completing its first unmanned supersonic flight and reaching Mach 1.21. This achievement followed a $350 million Series C funding round in April 2026, which valued the company at $1 billion. Hermeus has also secured a substantial contract expansion from the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU), increasing the total contract ceiling to $219 million to advance high-speed uncrewed aircraft testing for military operations. The company is privately held and led by Zach Shore, who was appointed CEO effective June 1, 2026, succeeding founding CEO AJ Piplica, who transitioned to Executive Chairman.