What if you could fly across the Atlantic in just 90 minutes? Hermeus, led by AJ Piplica, is working on making that a reality. Their Mach 5 aircraft, capable of flying at five times the speed of sound, could completely change the way we think about travel—turning long-haul flights into quick trips.
But the impact goes far beyond just faster travel. Hypersonic flight has the potential to transform global trade, boost economies, and bring people closer together. Hermeus is starting by applying this technology to military aircraft, learning from past innovations like the Concorde, to make sure their approach is both sustainable and groundbreaking.
With their innovative Chimera engine and a focus on pushing the limits of speed, Hermeus is aiming to create a world where traveling across continents is as simple as a regional flight. This is more than just a leap in technology—it’s about making the world feel a little smaller and more connected.
We made this video series, In The Arena, in partnership with Arena Hall, a community that explores ideas, tells stories, and funds projects–all to advance American ideals.