Federal Register #2026-07121

FAA Authorizes Hermeus Corporation for Supersonic Experimental Aircraft Testing at White Sands Missile Range

This opportunity involves a special flight authorization granted by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for supersonic experimental aircraft testing: - Government Buyer: - Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of Transportation - OEM/Vendor: - Hermeus Corporation (Atlanta, GA) - Product Involved: - Quarterhorse Mark 2.1 (Mk 2.1) Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) - Experimental unmanned aircraft for supersonic flight testing - Up to seven test flights authorized - Unique Requirements: - Authorization to exceed Mach 1 (supersonic speeds) - Flights restricted to White Sands Missile Range (WSMR), New Mexico - Within Restricted Areas R5111 A & B and R5107 B - At or above 30,000 feet Mean Sea Level - FAA adopted the Department of the Army's Environmental Impact Statement for WSMR - Authorization subject to specific conditions and limitations - No procurement of goods or services is requested; this is a regulatory authorization notice, not a contract opportunity.

Description

Hermeus Corporation submitted a petition to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requesting a special flight authorization to exceed Mach 1 speeds during flight testing. The authorization allows Hermeus to conduct up to seven supersonic test flights of their experimental Quarterhorse Mark 2.1 unmanned aircraft system over the White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico by December 31, 2026. The FAA reviewed environmental impacts and determined the flights would not significantly affect the environment, granting the special flight authorization effective April 9, 2026. This notice serves to inform the public of the FAA's decision and the conditions of the authorization.

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