The Roc is the largest aircraft in the world, with a wingspan of 385 feet (117.3 meters). The flight was a further test run to support the launch of the forthcoming hypersonic aircraft, the Talon-A.
The Talon-A are rocket-powered, autonomous, reusable testbeds that carry an adjustable payload at speeds above Mach 5. This capability allows routine access to hypersonic flight environments, which are critical for scientific research, technology development, and component demonstrations. .
“Today’s successful flight demonstrated and validated improvements to the aircraft carrier system and overall flight performance,” said Dr Zachary Krevor, President and Chief Operating Officer of Stratolaunch. (Read also; X-59 Supersonic Jet Undergoes Structural Tests, NASA Makes Overhaul )
Preliminary results from today’s test objectives include ongoing evaluation of the aircraft’s performance and handling characteristics at increased speeds and altitudes. In addition, to validate the operation of the left middle main tooth including door operation and extension of the alternative tooth of the left middle main tooth
“We will take the data we collected today and continue to improve the operational performance of the aircraft to support hypersonic testing by 2022,” continued Dr Zachary Krevor. (Read also; NASA Arms F-15 Fighter Aircraft with Modified AIM-54 Phoenix Hypersonic Missile )
In addition to testing the Roc carrier aircraft, the team continued to make remarkable strides in building its first two Talon-A test vehicles, the TA-0 and TA-1. For the TA-1 aircraft to complete initial start-up testing at the end of December 2021.
These tests keep the company on track to begin hypersonic flight testing by 2022 and to provide services to government and commercial customers by 2023.
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