News - US company developing plane that will break world speed record

Space technology company Hermeus (USA) has completed ground tests of the Quarterhorse Mark 0, a prototype of a future aircraft that shall exceed the world speed record of Mach 3.3, which is still held by the legendary Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird reconnaissance aircraft, Techkult reports. Quarterhorse Mark 0 is intended exclusively for the development of the ground part of the future record holder; in particular, for testing the steering mechanisms and the communication system. Testing is being conducted at the US Air Force Arnold Engineering Development Complex (AEDC) in Tullahoma, Tennessee. Three more prototypes will be used in order to develop a takeoff/landing system to break the sound barrier and reach a speed exceeding the record of Mach 3.3. The use of four pre-production prototypes reduces the risk of failure and enables the aforesaid company's specialists to focus on achieving the final goal. The next Mark 1 prototype will be ready by the end of this year.