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Hermeus Licensed to Manufacture F100 Fighter Jet Engines

September 16, 2026

2 min read

Key Takeaways

Hermeus obtains license to manufacture F100-PW-229 engines.
Agreement with Pratt & Whitney expands US defense manufacturing capabilities.
Hermeus uses F100 engine in Quarterhorse unmanned aircraft.
Startup developing own engine, Chimera, combining F100 with ramjet.

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Strategic Implications

This licensing deal may signal a shift in the US defense industrial base, with startups like Hermeus playing a larger role in advanced manufacturing. The partnership could indicate a growing trend towards diversification and expansion of domestic engine production, which may benefit the broader defense sector and enhance national security capabilities.

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What Happened

Historic Deal Expands US Advanced Manufacturing Capabilities

In a historic first, Hermeus has obtained a license to manufacture the F100-PW-229 engine, which powers the F-15 and F-16 fighter jet series. The agreement with Pratt & Whitney, a subsidiary of RTX, will enable Hermeus to assemble its own F100 engines for use in its Quarterhorse family of unmanned aircraft. Hermeus is also developing its own engine, called Chimera, which combines a precooled F100 engine with a ramjet. The startup has successfully tested several versions of the Quarterhorse aircraft, including a recent flight test that broke the sound barrier. This development was first reported by AeroTime.

Source | Originally Published: September 15, 2026

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