CALIFORNIA - After completing its longest flight to date, the world's largest plane is nearly ready to help the United States military develop hypersonic vehicles.
The aircraft, called the Stratolaunch Roc, was partly designed by former Microsoft CEO Paul Allen and boasts a wingspan larger than a football field.
Recently, the aircraft completed a six-hour flight in southern California, making it one step closer to being ready to assist the nation's military.
The plane took off from the Mojave Air and Space Port and traveled through southeast California for about six hours, climbing to a maximum altitude of 22,500 feet.
The company said it plans to have its first hypersonic flight and a separation test of the Talon-A vehicle in the first half of 2023.
The company's CEO, Zachary Krevor, said in the release that the plane is "closer than ever" to its first hypersonic flight test.
Our amazing team is continuing to make progress on our test timeline, and it is through their hard work that we grow closer than ever to safe separation and our first hypersonic flight tests., Krevor said. "The thorough evaluation of release conditions will provide data to reduce risks and ensure a clean and safe release of Talon-A during future tests."
"We are excited for what's ahead this year as we bring our hypersonic flight test service online for our customers and the nation."
In the future, Roc will be used to transport other aircraft missiles and vehicles, such as the C-5 Galaxy and some large cargo planes.
For more information on the Stratolaunch Roc and other upcoming projects, please visit the official Stratolaunch website here.
Comments / 215