Atlanta-based hypersonic aircraft developer Hermeus has completed the maiden flight of its Quarterhorse Mk 2.1 demonstrator, marking another step in its campaign to eventually challenge the legendary speed benchmark set by the Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird. The uncrewed aircraft flew from Spaceport America in New Mexico in early March, becoming the company’s second new aircraft type to achieve a first flight in less than a year. The flight itself was not an all-out record attempt.
Airbus’ A400M Atlas has long been known for its ability to operate in places where traditional heavy lifters simply dare not go. Now, the European airlifter has taken another leap forward. A new round of flight trials, this time on soft grass-covered runways, has demonstrated that the A400M can safely land, manoeuvre and take off at higher weights, from even more challenging strips. The result is a dramatic expansion in payload, reach and mission flexibility for operators acr
