The world’s largest aircraft will now test hypersonics for the military

April 3, 2020
There can be no question that the military is interested in hypersonic technology, writes Eric Berger for Ars Technica.

MOJAVE, Calif., - Nearly a decade ago, Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen founded Stratolaunch to build an aircraft capable of launching orbital rockets. At the time, the company's leadership included a host of luminous spaceflight officials, including former NASA chief Mike Griffin, who said the Stratolaunch aircraft “would make a very effective launcher," reports Eric Berger for Ars Technica. Continue reading original article.

The Intelligent Aerospace take:

April 3, 2020-The world's largest plane has taken to the skies just once - in April of last year. Stratolaunch recently announced that it would be rolling out a new business plan: as a test bed building and operating hypersonics. The company says its Talon-A is a reusable vehicle capable of reaching Mach 6. The Stratolaunch aircraft will be capable of carrying three of the 8.5 meter long Talon-A's.

"Our hypersonic testbeds will serve as a catalyst in sparking a renaissance in hypersonic technologies for our government, the commercial sector, and academia," said W. Jean Floyd, Stratolaunch's chief executive, in a statement.

Related: Surface damage to vehicles traveling at hypersonic speeds from ice and dust particles

Related: Hypersonic flight technology just passed a 'hugely significant' milestone

Related: Army secretary nominee tells Congress that hypersonic weapons are one of Pentagon's number-one priorities

Jamie Whitney, Associate Editor
Intelligent Aerospace

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of Military Aerospace, create an account today!