Stratolaunch's Roc Takes Flight with Fueled Hypersonic Vehicle in Historic Test

Stratolaunch's Roc Takes Flight with Fueled Hypersonic Vehicle in Historic Test

On December 3rd, 2023, Stratolaunch's Roc, the world's largest airplane, completed a landmark test flight with a powered and fueled hypersonic vehicle attached beneath its wings. This marked the first time the Roc carried a fueled hypersonic test vehicle in a "captive-carry" flight, signifying a crucial step towards achieving hypersonic flight.

The test flight, which originated from the Mojave Air and Space Port in California, lasted three hours and 22 minutes. The hypersonic vehicle, known as TA-1, remained attached to Roc throughout the duration of the flight. This successful test represents a significant milestone in Stratolaunch's roadmap for hypersonic research and development.

Prior to this test, Roc had completed 11 flights, including a successful drop test with a prototype Talon hypersonic vehicle in May 2023. The current test marks the first time the Roc carried a fueled hypersonic vehicle, demonstrating the system's integration and readiness for powered flight.

"This captive-carry flight with a powered TA-1 vehicle represents a significant step forward in the company's near-term goal of completing a powered flight with the Talon-A vehicle," said Stratolaunch officials.

The success of this test paves the way for a future powered flight of the TA-1 hypersonic vehicle. Once achieved, this would mark a significant advancement in the field of hypersonic technology, with potential applications in various sectors such as defense, space exploration, and commercial transportation.

Here are some key takeaways from the Stratolaunch test flight:

• Roc successfully carried a fueled hypersonic vehicle for the first time.
• The flight lasted over three hours and demonstrated the integration of the hypersonic vehicle with the carrier plane.
• This test represents a significant step towards achieving hypersonic flight.
• Successful powered flight of the TA-1 vehicle could have major implications for various industries.

The future of hypersonic technology remains exciting, and Stratolaunch continues to play a pivotal role in its development. With the successful completion of this test flight, the company has moved closer to its goal of unlocking the potential of hypersonic vehicles.