Hermeus completes stores-separation test on hypersonic jet

The Defense Innovation Unit announced on July 31, 2026 that Hermeus's Quarterhorse Mk 2.1 successfully released an external payload in flight during a HyCAT (Hypersonic and Compressed-Cycle Advanced Technology) test, the aircraft's fifth flight since spring 2026 and a step toward validating a weapons-carrying role. DIU's contract with Hermeus was expanded by $159M in 2026 to a $219M ceiling, funding additional high-speed flight demonstrations and payload-separation tests through 2027.