Aerospace company Stratolaunch's carrier aircraft, which is designed to launch hypersonic and space vehicles, is performing its second test flight in California's Mojave Desert, the company said on Thursday.

"We are airborne," the company said in a statement. "Currently performing various flight test maneuvers."

The aircraft will complete its test flight at about 2 p.m. Eastern Time (18:00 GMT)T. It is Stratolaunch's second test flight since April 2019.

The company website emphasizes that the aircraft will be used as a mobile launch platform capable of launching more than one hypersonic vehicle during a flight. The company hopes this aircraft will create a more affordable and convenient hypersonic market by eliminating certain technical and logistical barriers in the industry, such as delayed launches due to bad weather.

Stratolaunch has already partnered with aerospace research development company Calspan Systems to build and test a reusable hypersonic prototype vehicle called Talon-A.

Stratolaunch's aircraft is the largest aircraft in the world. It has six Boeing 747 engines that allow the aircraft to carry a maximum payload weight of at least 500,000 pounds. The aircraft's wingspan stretches over 100 yards.

Source: RIA Novosti

Related Links
Stratolaunch
Learn about missile defense at SpaceWar.com
All about missiles at SpaceWar.com

Tweet

Thanks for being here; We need your help. The SpaceDaily news network continues to grow but revenues have never been harder to maintain. With the rise of Ad Blockers, and Facebook - our traditional revenue sources via quality network advertising continues to decline. And unlike so many other news sites, we don't have a paywall - with those annoying usernames and passwords. Our news coverage takes time and effort to publish 365 days a year. If you find our news sites informative and useful then please consider becoming a regular supporter or for now make a one off contribution.
SpaceDaily Contributor $5 Billed Once credit card or paypal		SpaceDaily Monthly Supporter $5 Billed Monthly paypal only

Successful test of land-based Naval Strike Missile announced by Raytheon
Washington DC (UPI) Apr 29, 2021
Raytheon Missiles and Defense announced this week that it has successfully demonstrated the Navy Marine Expeditionary Ship Interdiction System. The test demonstrated the system's ability to fire a Naval Strike Missile from a U.S. Marine Corps ground launcher and score a direct hit against a surface target, according to a Wednesday Raytheon press release. "Our Naval Strike Missile is a vital weapon for denying enemies the use of key maritime terrain," Kim Ernzen, vice president of Naval P ... read more