Elon Musk’s SpaceX is reportedly developing a groundbreaking hypersonic jet that could potentially redefine air travel. Dubbed the X1, this innovative aircraft aims to achieve speeds of Mach 5—over 3,836 miles per hour—allowing a journey from New York to London in just 90 minutes.
While conventional commercial aircraft cruise at around 550 mph, hypersonic flight is the next frontier in aviation, promising unparalleled global connectivity.
The X1 boasts advanced technology, including revolutionary camouflage that renders it nearly invisible to radar. Its propulsion system, derived from SpaceX’s Merlin and Raptor engines, enhances fuel efficiency by 30% compared to traditional military aircraft. Although primarily designed for military applications, the technological advancements could significantly influence civilian hypersonic travel.
However, the journey to hypersonic flight is fraught with challenges. Engineers must overcome issues related to thermal management and propulsion efficiency, as extreme temperatures at such high speeds pose risks to aircraft integrity. Despite these hurdles, the potential applications of hypersonic technology extend beyond commercial use, impacting national security and space exploration.
Amidst these developments, startup company Hermus is also making strides in hypersonic travel. Founded in 2018, Hermus aims to surpass the achievements of the retired Concorde, which, while a marvel of supersonic travel, never reached hypersonic speeds. The company plans to create an aircraft capable of exceeding Mach 5, dramatically reducing flight times and making same-day international travel feasible.
Hermus’s flagship project, the Quarter Horse, is a series of prototypes designed to test and refine hypersonic capabilities. The innovative Chimera engine is at the heart of this project, combining turbojet, ramjet, and scramjet technologies to optimize performance across various speeds.
With significant backing from NASA and the U.S. Air Force, Hermus is poised to make considerable advancements in hypersonic technology. As both Musk’s SpaceX and Hermus push the boundaries of aviation, the dream of rapid, efficient global travel inches closer to reality.