Mon Sep 09 16:08:27 UTC 2024: ## Jacksonville to Break Ground on Hypersonic Testing Facility
**JACKSONVILLE, FL** – The city of Jacksonville is set to break ground on a new hypersonic testing facility, known as “HEAT,” at Cecil Airport on Monday. The facility is a joint venture between the city and Hermeus, an aerospace company aiming to revolutionize travel with hypersonic technology.
Hermeus envisions a future where a flight between New York and London could be completed in a mere 90 minutes, a drastic reduction from the current 7-hour journey. Their goal is to achieve Mach 5 speeds, exceeding 3,000 miles per hour, which is five times the speed of sound.
According to Hermeus co-founder AJ Piplica, this advancement could have significant economic benefits for global economies, connecting cities faster and more efficiently. The facility will also be shared with military and commercial partners, furthering the advancement of hypersonic technology across industries.
The project is expected to bring 100 full-time jobs to the Jacksonville area by 2028, along with a $135 million capital investment. In exchange for the incentives, Hermeus will set up shop at Cecil Field.
The initial focus will be on military applications of the hypersonic engine, but the long-term vision is to expand into commercial aviation. Hermeus co-founder Glenn Case stated that a one-way ticket from New York to London could potentially cost around $3,000.
The facility will include two engine test cells, an office building, and a “hush house” for controlled aircraft systems testing. Hermeus representatives have assured that the “hush house” will minimize noise levels, ensuring that the testing facility will not be louder than existing operations at Cecil Airport.
Engine testing is slated to begin by the end of 2024, with construction expected to take place over the next 5 to 10 years.
First Piper 