Is Hermeus the Skunk Works of a new generation?

Atlanta-based Hermeus has been making rapid progress toward fielding the world's first reusable, air-breathing hypersonic aircraft in their Quarterhorse technology demonstrator. Last month, the company revealed Quarterhorse Mk 1, the company's first flying prototype.

Let's talk about what that means, and why it's hard not to draw parallels between Hermeus today, and another legendary aircraft manufacturer.

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[_Green]

The thing I like the most is the amount of in-house design and manufacturing. People the are building it ACTUALLY interact directly with designers in the same building, unlike almost everyone else .
"RealEngineering" made a good YouTube video about this project and is well worth watching.

[mattie]

This is got to be one of the most fascinating channels for air power aircraft

[spectrumboss]

If I ever use the term "Audacious" for something, it had better be really freaking good.

[American_Technology]

As a young aerospace engineer, the discussion about manufacturing at the beginning video was what sold me on the potential of this company. Being able to get up from your desk and talk with a machinist who will make your part or a technician who will handle it is what makes the difference between a project that goes from a blank sheet of paper to flight in 5 years and one that gets.

[DUKE_of_RAMBLE]

_"That damn Swede can _*_actually_*_ see air!"_
This is simultaneously the most hilarious AND awesome compliment I've ever heard! 🤣

[maddantt]

No one does it better than you, Alex. Thanks!

[THE-X-Force]

You're enthusiasm and passion for this really comes through here Alex .. (18:50 onwards) .. and that feeling is definitely shared by the many people who appreciate your journalistic work!

☮

[Tipasa]

I love his passion and how he allows his guests to talk without interruption, a rare feat nowadays.

[Elthenar]

Kelly Johnsons skunk works didn't just change aviation, they changed every day life. They had to invent the entire titanium manufacturing process for their Mach 3 programs. That lead directly to everything from titanium rods used to surgically set broken bones to smoke pipes

[spidennis]

Best episode ever! All teenagers and young 20s should watch this. The ultimate recruitment tool! Why do I need geometry? Algebra? Physics? In high school? To find those gifted minds!

[outsider]

Hello, again, Alex, and thank You for this marvelous tribute, to those heroes of aviation.
I have autobiografic of Ben Rich. My favorite book of flight.
"Kelly" Johnson, is the hero of all times. Two Colliers should prove that as a fact.
And as said, he`s work has made many "innovations" possible today.
May Quaterhorse grow, and get the air under the wings.
from a Finn and engineer, in Diaspora

[tinybatmanname]

this channel is so dope.
Has the right amount of Flare as well the right amount of technical info.
You get channels where it’s all flare and either minor or inaccurate tech info, or you get channels where it’s all great info but it’s boring as hell.
This is that perfect mix.

[bananadane]

What a great video, so glad I made time for it, thanks!

[ronjon]

I like Lockheed too. Kelly Johnson is a personal hero, the engineers must have had the best jobs on the planet, and probably still do. An amazing company, a true American aviation giant, and I wish I had been onboard.

Seems Hermeus has a similar environment going on, and I’ll bet the engineers and technicians will have many years of ‘the best jobs of their lives.’ Good for them; I wish them well and to have success.

[mikebridges]

Alex, thanks for the history lesson on the Skunkworks, defining the shoulders that Hermeus is building upon. Whether they are successful or not (I expect many design changes on the way), their boldness is fascinating to watch!

[jeffbenton]

The Hermes team ought to be both proud and humbled by the fact that someone as credible as Alex is comparing them to the Skunk Works of the Kelly Johnson era.

[brianobrian]

I absolutely LOVE how genuinely passionate you are about Mr. Johnson. While I've never heard a bad word said about the Man (& I don't feel a bad word could be said about such a legend) I can relate to the passion & admiration you have regarding K.J. GET WELL SOON ALEX! You have carved out an awesome lane for both yourself & Air Power and I cannot get enough of it. Keep them coming! (Once you recover fully)

[davidbeare]

Genuine new tallent is delightfull to see. Thanks for featuring Hermeus.

[leifsoderman]

Second time I hear he can see air. First I heard was in F1, Adrian Newey was said he could see air and now Kellie Johnsson who also is said could see air. Those two most be extraordinairy people. Thanks for the video.

[fresno]

Thank you for this video about Hermeus, and the "Quarterhorse" prototype. Your narrative (especially the historical aspects, about Kelly Johnson and Skunk Works) is brilliant.
This is some of your best work.
Thank you!