Test Version of Hypersonic Vehicle Put through First In-Air Test Flight

Stratolaunch put their hypersonic vehicle through its first in-air test, mounting the Talon-A separation test vehicle TA-0 aboard the company’s Roc carrier plane throughout a 5-hour flight to California’s Mojave Air and Space Port.

The occasion marked the 8th flight test for the Roc, and the first to have a payload attacked at the center pylon between the aircraft’s twin fuselages. The flight was aimed at evaluating the stresses, forces, and aerodynamics affecting the Talon-A while being carried by the mothership, paving the way for future tests with a fully functional, rocket-equipped aircraft. During the 5-hour flight, the Roc touched an altitude of 23,000 feet and a speed of 185 knots.

"We have conducted a variety of ground tests in anticipation of this first captive carry flight, and with each successful test milestone achieved we have built confidence that the hardware will perform exactly as it was designed. It's exhilarating to see the team's hard work come to life and see the vehicles fly as an integrated system," said Dr. Zachary Krevor, Stratolaunch Chief Executive Officer.

"Testing and production are accelerating as we push forward to meet our commitment of providing hypersonic flight test service to our customers next year. Our team will continue accomplishing more complex test milestones as we progress to our first hypersonic flight," said Krevor.

FMI: www.stratolaunch.com