Defense & Military
Hermeus Opens HEAT Facility to Revolutionize Hypersonic Aircraft Testing
Hermeus Opens New Facility to Meet Hypersonic Aircraft Engine Testing Demand
In January 2025, Hermeus, a leading U.S. aerospace and defense company, unveiled its High Enthalpy Air-Breathing Test Facility (HEAT) in Jacksonville, Florida. This state-of-the-art facility marks a significant milestone in the development of hypersonic aircraft, which are capable of flying at speeds exceeding Mach 5 (approximately 3,800 mph). The HEAT facility is designed to accelerate the testing and development of next-generation propulsion systems, addressing one of the major bottlenecks in hypersonic technology: limited access to suitable testing infrastructure.
Hypersonic aircraft have long been a focus of research and development in both military and commercial aviation. However, the high costs and long wait times associated with traditional test facilities have slowed progress. Hermeus’ HEAT facility aims to provide a cost-effective and efficient alternative, enabling faster and more affordable testing of high-speed engines. This development is not only a game-changer for Hermeus but also for the broader aerospace industry, as it paves the way for breakthroughs in hypersonic flight.
The launch of the HEAT facility comes at a critical time, as demand for hypersonic technology continues to surge. With applications ranging from military defense to commercial air travel, hypersonic aircraft have the potential to revolutionize the way we think about speed and efficiency in aviation. Hermeus’ investment in this cutting-edge infrastructure underscores the company’s commitment to leading the charge in this transformative field.
The HEAT Facility: A Leap Forward in Hypersonic Testing
The HEAT facility is built on existing infrastructure at Cecil Airport in Jacksonville, Florida. In just three months, Hermeus transformed legacy test cells from 1959 and a hush house from 1989 into a modern, high-speed engine testing hub. This rapid development is a testament to the company’s engineering prowess and efficiency. According to Alex Miller, Manager of Propulsion Test Engineering at Hermeus, the team engineered and installed custom systems, including fuel supply, air start systems, and data acquisition and control systems, to integrate the Pratt & Whitney F100 engine into the facility.
One of the standout features of the HEAT facility is its cost-effectiveness. Traditional engine test cell projects typically take much longer and cost significantly more. Hermeus managed to bring the facility online in one-eighth the time and at one-tenth the cost. This efficiency not only reduces the financial burden of hypersonic testing but also allows for more frequent and comprehensive testing, accelerating the development of next-generation propulsion systems.
The HEAT facility is currently testing the Pratt & Whitney F100 engine, which will power Hermeus’ Quarterhorse Mk 2 aircraft. The Quarterhorse Mk 2 is designed to achieve speeds greater than Mach 2.5, making it a critical step toward the development of hypersonic aircraft. Additionally, the facility will play a key role in developing the Chimera engine, a turbine-based combined cycle engine capable of reaching hypersonic speeds exceeding Mach 5. This engine will power the Quarterhorse Mk 3, which aims to break the air speed record currently held by the SR-71 Blackbird.
“Current hypersonic test facilities are booked up for over a year, with the cost of testing often being prohibitively expensive. The HEAT facility aims to alleviate these capacity limitations and provide an affordable and accessible alternative.” – AJ Piplica, Co-Founder and CEO of Hermeus
The Future of Hypersonic Flight: Challenges and Opportunities
While the launch of the HEAT facility is a significant achievement, the development of hypersonic aircraft still faces numerous challenges. One of the primary obstacles is the extreme conditions that hypersonic vehicles must endure, including intense heat and pressure. To address this, Hermeus plans to integrate continuous high-Mach vitiated airflow into the HEAT facility, simulating the extreme conditions that hypersonic aircraft will face in actual flight. This will allow for more accurate and comprehensive testing, ensuring that the propulsion systems are capable of withstanding the rigors of hypersonic flight.
Another challenge is the transition from turbojet to ramjet mode, a critical technological hurdle for enabling operational hypersonic flight. Hermeus has made significant progress in this area with its Chimera engine, demonstrating turbojet to ramjet transition in November 2022. This breakthrough is a key step toward the development of operational hypersonic aircraft, which could revolutionize both military and commercial aviation.
The successful development of hypersonic aircraft has immense potential for both defense and commercial applications. In the military sector, hypersonic aircraft could provide significant advantages in speed and operational flexibility, allowing for rapid response times and enhanced strategic capabilities. In the commercial sector, hypersonic travel could drastically reduce flight times, making long-distance travel more efficient and accessible. As Hermeus continues to push the boundaries of hypersonic technology, the HEAT facility will play a crucial role in bringing these advancements to fruition.
Conclusion
The launch of Hermeus’ HEAT facility represents a major leap forward in the development of hypersonic aircraft. By providing a cost-effective and efficient alternative to traditional test facilities, HEAT is poised to accelerate the testing and development of next-generation propulsion systems. This development is not only a significant achievement for Hermeus but also for the broader aerospace industry, as it paves the way for breakthroughs in hypersonic flight.
As the demand for hypersonic technology continues to grow, facilities like HEAT will be essential in enabling timely and cost-effective development of these advanced aircraft. With applications ranging from military defense to commercial air travel, hypersonic aircraft have the potential to revolutionize the way we think about speed and efficiency in aviation. Hermeus’ investment in the HEAT facility underscores the company’s commitment to leading the charge in this transformative field, shaping the future of high-speed flight for years to come.
FAQ
Question: What is the HEAT facility?
Answer: The High Enthalpy Air-Breathing Test Facility (HEAT) is a state-of-the-art testing hub developed by Hermeus to accelerate the testing and development of hypersonic aircraft engines.
Question: Why is the HEAT facility significant?
Answer: The HEAT facility provides a cost-effective and efficient alternative to traditional hypersonic test facilities, which are often overbooked and expensive, enabling faster and more affordable testing.
Question: What engines are being tested at the HEAT facility?
Answer: The facility is currently testing the Pratt & Whitney F100 engine and will also play a key role in developing the Chimera engine, a turbine-based combined cycle engine capable of reaching hypersonic speeds.
Sources: Army Recognition, Hermeus
Defense & Military
Gripen F Completes Inaugural Flight in Linköping Sweden
Saab and the Brazilian Air Force completed the first flight of the Gripen F two-seat fighter on August 28, 2026.
Saab and the Brazilian Air Force have successfully completed the inaugural flight of the Gripen F, the two-seat variant of the Gripen E fighter, initiating the airborne test campaign for the jointly developed aircraft.
The aircraft took off from Saab’s airfield in Linköping, Sweden, on August 28, 2026. In a press release issued today, the manufacturer confirmed the milestone advances a comprehensive technology transfer program designed to deliver both pilot training and full operational combat capabilities.
Inaugural flight and test campaign
The flight commenced at 09:40 local time and lasted 40 minutes. Saab Chief Test Pilot Jakob Högberg and Brazilian Air Force Test Pilot Lieutenant Colonel Aviator Abdon de Rezende Vasconcelos operated the aircraft.
Lars Tossman, Head of Business Area Aeronautics at Saab, highlighted the collaborative effort behind the milestone.
“This first flight represents an important step forward for both Saab and the Brazilian Air Force. Seeing Gripen F take to the skies is particularly significant for all the Swedish and Brazilian teams whose years of engineering work have helped turn this aircraft into a reality. It is designed to accelerate pilot training while and enhancing operational performance in advanced combat missions,” Tossman said.
The Gripen F test program will now transition into a progressive envelope expansion phase. Saab stated that upcoming flights will clear performance limits, including speed, altitude, G-load, and angle of attack, while evaluating the tactical systems of the independent rear cockpit.
Design specifications and Brazilian procurement
The Gripen F incorporates specific design modifications to accommodate a second crew member. According to Air Data News, the two-seat variant measures 15.9 meters in length, compared to the 15.2-meter single-seat Gripen E, and has a maximum takeoff weight of 16,500 kilograms. To make room for the rear cockpit, engineers omitted the internal 27 mm Mauser BK27 cannon found on the single-seat model. Despite this change, the aircraft retains full operational combat capability and utilizes the same General Electric F414G engine.
The development of the Gripen F is heavily tied to Brazilian defense procurement. Aviation Week reports that the Brazilian Air Force ordered eight Gripen F aircraft as part of a broader 36-aircraft contract signed in 2014. Saab officially presented the first Gripen F during a rollout ceremony in Linköping on June 2, 2026. The manufacturer noted that more than 350 Brazilian engineers, technicians, and pilots have participated in training and development activities for the program.
AirPro News analysis
We view the successful first flight of the Gripen F as a critical validation of the technology transfer agreement between Saab and its Brazilian partners, including Embraer. The integration of a fully combat-capable rear cockpit ensures the Brazilian Air Force can conduct advanced training while maintaining frontline fleet readiness. Delivering the two-seat variant on schedule strengthens Saab’s position in future export campaigns where dual-role trainer and combat aircraft are required.
Sources: Saab
Photo Credit: Saab
Defense & Military
Neura Defense Systems Rebrands as Volantyx Aerospace
Neura Defense Systems rebrands as Volantyx Aerospace to develop counter-UAS tech targeting RF-silent drone swarms.
Saint Petersburg, Florida-based Neura Defense Systems, Inc. announced on August 26, 2026, that it has rebranded as Volantyx Aerospace, Inc. to reflect its expansion from a single-product defense developer into a broader aerospace technology platform.
In a press release issued Wednesday, the company stated the original Neura Defense Systems name will be retained for its defense division and current operating business. The corporate restructuring aligns with the company’s focus on developing a distributed edge-intelligence architecture designed to counter autonomous, radio-frequency-silent drone swarms.
Addressing the RF-silent swarm-drone gap
Volantyx Aerospace is targeting a specific vulnerability in current counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) defense networks. Traditional detection and mitigation rely heavily on radio frequency (RF) signals, which are ineffective against pre-programmed or autonomous aircraft that do not emit such signals.
Founder and Chief Executive Officer Sam Talari explained the limitations of legacy systems in the company’s announcement, noting that the new architecture is built on the assumption that any single sensor can be degraded or absent.
An RF sensor cannot detect a signal that is not there, and a jammer cannot sever a control link that does not exist. We start from the aircraft’s physical signature instead — radar return, sound, heat, visual — and combine those into one track and one decision picture for the operator.
The company has filed 13 United States provisional patent applications covering multi-modal sensor fusion, distributed networking, cognitive command, and the detection of non-emitting aircraft. The resulting intelligence layer is designed to make decisions at the edge without cloud dependency while preserving a record of system observations.
Development timeline and market positioning
The rebranding occurs as federal investment in counter-UAS technologies accelerates. Volantyx Aerospace remains in the development stage, with its core capabilities currently undergoing hardware integration and field evaluation following initial tests in a controlled environment.
The company clarified in its release that it does not yet claim a fielded deployment, operational performance metrics, or a contract award. Volantyx Aerospace plans to begin manufacturing or supplying effectors in early 2027. The corporate name change is a structural adjustment for the Delaware corporation and does not alter existing agreements, obligations, or ownership.
AirPro News analysis
The transition from Neura Defense Systems to Volantyx Aerospace signals a strategic pivot to capture dual-use commercial and defense markets. As autonomous UAS capabilities proliferate, the reliance on RF jamming and detection is becoming a recognized vulnerability in airspace security. By focusing on multi-modal physical signatures, we view Volantyx’s approach as a necessary evolution in counter-UAS architecture. The company’s explicit acknowledgment that it lacks fielded deployments or contract awards underscores the significant gap between conceptual architecture and operational validation. The early 2027 target for effector manufacturing will be a critical milestone to monitor as the company attempts to transition from a development-stage startup to an active aerospace supplier.
Photo Credit: Neura Defense Systems, Inc.
Defense & Military
Lockheed Martin Offers Peru $1.8B F-16 Block 70 Offset Package
Lockheed Martin proposes a $1.8B industrial package for Peru’s F-16 Block 70 program, including UAS assembly and MRO expansion.
Lockheed Martin has outlined a $1.8 billion industrial and social collaboration package for Peru, designed to integrate local firms into the global aerospace supply chain as part of the country’s F-16 Block 70 procurement program.
Announced in a press release on August 26, 2026, the offset proposal follows the Peruvian government’s April 2026 decision to acquire an initial batch of 12 F-16 Block 70 aircraft. The comprehensive package aims to position Peru as a regional hub for advanced unmanned systems and aerospace services.
Expanding Peru’s aerospace industrial base
The proposed industrial agreement focuses heavily on technology transfer and domestic manufacturing. Key components include the domestic assembly of an Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) tailored for the Latin American market, the establishment of joint research hubs, and the creation of a UAS Technical Institute. The package also outlines plans to expand Peru’s high-tech maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) footprint.
“As we collaborate with the local industry, we aim to deliver tangible, high-value opportunities that build a skilled workforce, enable knowledge transfer and create lasting economic impact on both sides of the partnership,” said Tara Lause, Vice President of Business Development for the Integrated Fighter Group at Lockheed Martin.
Lause added that the procurement creates enduring alliances and industrial collaboration opportunities with the United States and other partner nations.
Fleet modernization and electronic warfare capabilities
Peru is currently working to replace its aging fleet of Soviet-era MiG-29s and French Mirage 2000s. The F-16 Block 70 was selected over competing bids from Saab and Dassault. To equip the new fleet, the government of Peru selected L3Harris Technologies to provide its AN/ALQ-254(V)1 Viper Shield all-digital electronic warfare suite, a decision announced on August 17, 2026. The Viper Shield system provides advanced radar warning and jamming capabilities.
Lockheed Martin noted that the F-16 is currently operated by 29 countries, with a global fleet of 2,800 aircraft. Mike Shoemaker, Vice President of the Integrated Fighter Group at Lockheed Martin, stated that the selection highlights the aircraft’s operational performance and ability to meet pressing defense requirements.
AirPro News analysis
The announcement of a $1.8 billion industrial offset package is a strategic move by Lockheed Martin to solidify the F-16 Block 70 sale amid a complex political environment in Lima. While the Peruvian government selected the aircraft in April 2026, regional defense reporting indicates that the procurement process has encountered delays linked to ministerial resignations and defense budget debates. By offering substantial domestic manufacturing opportunities, including UAS assembly and MRO expansion, Lockheed Martin is providing Peruvian leadership with a strong economic justification to finalize the state-to-state contract. We view this comprehensive technology transfer as a critical lever in moving the procurement from selection to a finalized, funded agreement.
Sources: Lockheed Martin
Photo Credit: Lockheed Martin
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