Federal Register #2026-18523

FAA awards Hermeus Corporation special authorization for supersonic test flights of Quarterhorse Mk 2.2

This award announcement concerns the FAA's regulatory authorization for supersonic flight testing: - Government buyer: - Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of Transportation - OEM highlighted: - Hermeus Corporation (Atlanta, GA) - Authorization details: - Hermeus Corporation is permitted to conduct up to six supersonic test flights - Aircraft: Quarterhorse Mark 2.2 (Mk 2.2), an experimental unmanned aircraft system - Location: White Sand Missile Range (WSMR), New Mexico, within Restricted Areas R5111 AD and R5107 - Flight conditions: At or above 24,000 feet Mean Sea Level, during daytime hours - Environmental review: - FAA determined no significant environmental impact, referencing Department of the Army's categorical exclusion - Notable requirements: - Authorization is limited to specific conditions and limitations - No public comments are being solicited - No products or services are being procured; this is a regulatory award, not a procurement opportunity

Description

This notice summarizes the petition submitted by Hermeus Corporation to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requesting a special flight authorization to exceed Mach 1 speeds during flight testing. The petition involves developmental flight test operations of an experimental unmanned aircraft system, the Quarterhorse Mark 2.2, over the White Sand Missile Range in New Mexico. The FAA granted the petition, allowing up to six supersonic test flights by August 20, 2027, at or above 24,000 feet Mean Sea Level during daytime hours. The FAA determined that the proposed supersonic test flights would not significantly affect the quality of the human environment and is not requesting public comments on the petition or decision.

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