As reported by Engadget on Friday, April 30, 2021.
(Image credit: Saggittarius A/Wikimedia/CC BY-SA 4.0)
Stratolaunch has taken another step toward its goal of launching a supersonic vehicle in the air. The company has completed the second test flight on Thursday of its launch vehicle, which is now known for having the world’s largest wingspan. The 385-foot-long, twin-fuselage launch vehicle flew for three hours and 14 minutes over the Mojave Desert at an altitude of 14,000 feet. Although it did not fly as high as it did on its first flight a year ago (17,000 feet), the flight time was 44 minutes longer than before.
According to Stratolaunch, the successful flight confirmed the aircraft’s performance and capabilities and also validated the improvements made to the carrier since the last flight.
The company has begun assembling an expensive version of its supersonic vehicle, Talon-A, which is expected to make its first flight early next year. It has also begun assembling a reusable version of Talon-A, with testing expected to begin in 2023. stratolaunch aims to be able to launch a reusable Talon-A from its carrier aircraft in the air. the Mach 6 class hypersonic vehicle is expected to provide 60 seconds of hypersonic flight, followed by an automatic landing and taxiing on a conventional runway.
As Space noted, Stratolaunch’s activities could be of interest to the U.S. military because hypersonic vehicles make good weapons delivery systems because of their maneuverability. Millman said the company is looking at ways to help the Defense Department mitigate the risks of many expensive flight tests. Our test bed has the capability to deliver equipment,” he added. It has the ability to test materials. It has the ability to get people interested in pieces in terms of offensive and defensive hypersonic speeds. “
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