Stratolaunch – fifth flight with new pylon on board
Stratolaunch has successfully completed the fifth test flight of the ‘Roc’, the world’s largest aircraft. It flew over the Mojave Desert for 4 hours and 58 minutes, reaching an altitude of 22,500 feet (6,858 m). The flight debuted a new pylon on the aircraft’s centre wing that will be used to carry and release Talon-A hypersonic units.
The hardware is made up of a mini-wing and adapter that is constructed with aluminium and carbon fibre skins. It weighs approximately 8,000 lbs (3,600 kg), and occupies 14 ft (4.25 m) of Roc’s 95 ft (28.95 m) centre wingspan, allowing for adequate space between the aircraft’s dual fuselages for safe vehicle release and launch.
The structure also features a winch system that will load Talons onto the platform from the ground, expediting launch preparation and reducing the need for ground support. (cj)