We took a 10% scaled model of Quarterhorse up to Calspan in Buffalo, NY and spent a week subjecting it to Mach 0.3 - 1.3 airflow. These subsonic and transonic regimes are critical to understand in preparation for our first flights of Quarterhorse.

This also gave us a chance to study the impact airflow has on Quarterhorse’s control surfaces and landing gear.

February 27, 2023

CFD simulations are great. But there comes a point when you need to test physical hardware in the physical world. And that’s what wind tunnel testing accomplishes.

QUARTERHORSE WIND TUNNEL TESTING

We’ll combine our findings with the data from nearly 1,000 CFD runs to create a comprehensive understanding of the aerodynamics of Quarterhorse. We want to find any discrepancies and make improvements before we fly.

Ultimately, flight is the real test.

About Hermeus

Hermeus is a startup developing hypersonic aircraft to radically accelerate air travel. At Mach 5, more than twice the speed of the supersonic Concorde, passengers will be able to cross the Atlantic in 90 minutes. On the path to hypersonic passenger aircraft, Hermeus is partnering with government agencies including the US Air Force and NASA to develop a series of autonomous aircraft that derisk the technology and solve urgent national security challenges. These products provide the data and confidence necessary to certify, produce, operate, and maintain safe and comfortable commercial aircraft. Hypersonic aircraft have the potential to create trillions of dollars of new global economic growth per year, unlocking significant resources that can be utilized to solve the world’s greatest problems.