
Hermeus Corporation, an Altanta, Ga.-based startup developing hypersonic aircraft primarily for commercial use, was awarded a $1.5 million Phase 2 prototyping contract by AFWERX to further develop its Mach 5 engine prototype, successfully tested in February, and aircraft design. Partnering with the U.S. Air Force’s Presidential and Executive Airlift Directorate, under the initial contract Hermeus will explore the necessary modifications to meet Air Force mission requirements within the Presidential and Executive Fleet, according to co-founder AJ Piplica. “By leveraging commercial…