Supersonic jet developer raises funding after Air Force investment

Hermeus, an Atlanta-based startup supersonic jet developer, announced it raised $16 million in funding.

The funding round comes after Hermeus got a new $1.5 million contract two months ago to work toward hypersonic travel for the Department of Defense, including assessing how it could modify its proposed Mach 5 aircraft for the Presidential and Executive Airlift Directorate fleet.

The Hermeus contract is part of a broader effort to begin prototyping a potential supersonic Air Force One, according to Military.com.

Hermeus said its new round of funding is led by venture capital firm Canaan Partners, with support from original backers Khosla Ventures, as well as Bling Capital and Revolutions Rise of the Rest Seed Fund.

The startup said it plans to use the funding to hire more employees and work toward developing and ground-testing an engine for its first Mach 5 aircraft. Hermeus said it designed and built a Mach 5 engine prototype in nine months and tested it in February 2020.

The company plans to use an Atlanta test facility for manufacturing and testing.

About the Author

Gov. Kemp lauds opening of new drone manufacturing plant, but privacy expert wary

Nearly all metro Atlanta police departments use Flock Safety’s technology, but some of its products have come under criticism from residents and advocacy organizations.

‘Pretty insane.’ Experts, Atlanta businesses, consumers brace for tariffs

Georgia businesses expressed fears that new tariffs will send costs higher and harm consumers.

Tracking Trump’s tariffs: Here’s what to know

Here’s your guide to track tariffs that have been threatened or imposed by the White House.

The Latest

Credit: Stephen B. Morton

Tracking Trump’s tariffs: Here’s what to know

‘Pretty insane.’ Experts, Atlanta businesses, consumers brace for tariffs

Gov. Kemp lauds opening of new drone manufacturing plant, but privacy expert wary

Featured

Credit: Jenni Girtman

With new American South guide, Michelin highlights Atlanta – but not Georgia

The 2025 Michelin Guide featuring metro Atlanta will expand to include six southern states: Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee.

Atlanta police say woman made fake 911 call prior to Young Scooter’s death

The bizarre string of events that led to the Atlanta rapper’s death began when Demetria Spence made a fake call to 911, according to police.

Trump’s legal fees, religious liberty and DEI: What made the cut with Georgia lawmakers

Wednesday is the penultimate day of the 2025 Georgia legislative session. It’s expected to be busy as lawmakers rush to get their bills assigned to the House and Senate floor.

1h ago