Could This Be The Next Air Force One? - Hermeus

The script introduces a futuristic concept of a hypersonic passenger plane that could potentially serve as the new Air Force One. Initially skeptical, the speaker shares their transformation into a supporter after witnessing Hermeus' progress. Hermeus, a company started in a basement by four founders and their dogs, aims to revolutionize air travel with a plane capable of Mach 5 speeds. The company's CEO, AJ Piplica, discusses their humble beginnings and the ambitious six-month timeline they set to validate their concept of high-speed travel. The challenges faced by hardware startups compared to software startups are highlighted, with a focus on the costs and resources required to build and prototype a hypersonic plane.

Hermeus plans to address national security challenges to generate early revenue, which will help them progress towards their ultimate goal of commercial hypersonic passenger travel. The US Air Force, a leading investor in Hermeus, recognizes the importance of hypersonic technologies in defense. The script explains the threat posed by hypersonic weapons and how Hermeus aims to assist in this domain, not by manufacturing weapons, but by providing flight testing services for hypersonic technologies. Their first aircraft, Quarterhorse, is designed to be a reusable hypersonic test bed, offering valuable data and a cost-effective alternative to traditional testing methods. Hermeus has secured significant funding, including a contract from the US Air Force and series B funding led by Sam Altman, to develop their engine technology.

Hermeus' COO, Skyler Shuford, presents the company's first engine, a subscale demonstrator that combines an off-the-shelf jet engine with custom 3D printed components for high-speed operation. The engine features a shared afterburner and ramjet combustor, and a pre-cooler that allows the jet engine to reach higher speeds before transitioning to a ramjet. The script details the process of testing the engine at Purdue University and the challenges of transitioning between turbojet and ramjet modes. Hermeus' approach to rapid iteration and technology demonstration is emphasized, highlighting their ability to develop a functional turbo-ramjet with a limited budget.

The script discusses the use of precoolers in hypersonic engines, which cool the incoming air and enable the turbojet engine to operate at higher velocities before the blades reach their maximum temperature limit. The details of Hermeus' precooler are kept secret, but it is known that they are using it to push the capabilities of their jet engine to extreme conditions. The testing of the precooler is described, including the use of high-temperature air to simulate high-speed flight conditions. The successful development of a functional turbo-ramjet engine on a tight budget and timeline is highlighted as a significant achievement for the Hermeus team.

Hermeus moves from the proof of concept with their subscale engine to developing the Chimera engine for their Quarterhorse aircraft. The script describes a visit to Hermeus' test facility, where a test of the in-house afterburner is witnessed. The modified General Electric J85 engine is discussed, which is being used as a testbed for Hermeus' custom hardware. The process of ground testing and iterating on designs for performance, endurance, and life is explained. The script also touches on the challenges of transitioning from turbojet to ramjet mode and the use of valves to manage pressure differentials during this transition.

Hermeus has been manufacturing components of the Quarterhorse Mk 0 using a combination of 3D printing and a large CNC machine. The script explores new manufacturing techniques, including large format additive manufacturing, which allows for quicker construction of larger structures. The use of Inconel, a high-nickel steel, is discussed, highlighting its weight and manufacturing challenges. The text also mentions the use of AI-driven robots for panel forming, which could significantly reduce development costs and time. The limitations and advantages of Mach 5 as a flight speed are also discussed, including the use of metallic materials for the primary structure and the considerations for thermal cycles and reusability.

The script addresses the thermal challenges of hypersonic flight, including the use of ablative materials and the impact on vehicle life and maintenance. It discusses the need for more data to develop long-term maintenance models for hypersonic vehicles. The potential use of ablatives at Mach 5 is acknowledged, but the focus is on non-ablative materials for the long-term vision of aircraft flight operations. The script also touches on the historical context of hypersonic flight and the potential for reusable human-rated craft.

Hermeus has not yet tested the actual airframe but is addressing various risks and problems, starting with engine development. The script outlines the challenges of high-speed takeoff and landing for a hypersonic vehicle, the need for short wings to reduce drag, and the control system requirements. Hermeus is taking an incremental approach, with the first variant of Quarterhorse focusing on jet engine flight and mode transition. The development of the Darkhorse vehicle for defense and national security missions is also discussed, as well as the long-term vision of the Halcyon, a hypersonic passenger plane capable of transatlantic flights in record time.

The script discusses the potential economic impact of hypersonic travel, drawing parallels with historical advancements in transportation networks. It suggests that Hermeus' technology could unlock significant GDP growth for regions with access to it. The importance of face-to-face interaction, especially in the early stages of complex product development, is highlighted. The focus is on business class and first class travel as a realistic entry point for the technology, with the expectation that it will take time to achieve cost points that make hypersonic travel widely accessible.

The script emphasizes the importance of collaboration between engineers, technicians, and machinists at Hermeus. It describes how the company's structure encourages critical thinking and decision-making across the entire team, eliminating bottlenecks and empowering those most qualified to make decisions. The benefits of having engineering and manufacturing in the same building are discussed, allowing for real-time feedback and iteration during the design and assembly process. The speaker expresses pride in providing a platform to connect engineers with companies like Hermeus and introduces Propeller, a new engineering hub for job opportunities.

The script introduces Propeller, a platform designed to connect engineers with exciting job opportunities in the field. It mentions that Hermeus has multiple job roles open, including positions for lead and principal engineers in various disciplines. The platform aims to provide a resource for engineers to find roles that match their expertise and for companies to advertise their job openings. The speaker encourages both job seekers and companies to engage with Propeller to take advantage of this new resource in the engineering community.