Stratolaunch Successfully Conducts First Powered Test Flight of Hypersonic Research Vehicle
In a ground-breaking achievement, the American aerospace company Stratolaunch conducted the first powered test flight of a new unmanned spacecraft for hypersonic research. The aircraft, named Talon-A-1, reached high supersonic speeds near Mach 5, gathering valuable data for the company’s customers.
Hypersonic flight refers to speeds of at least five times the speed of sound, and CEO Zachary Krevor expressed satisfaction with the test flight results. While he could not disclose specific details on altitude and speed due to customer agreements, Krevor emphasized the success of the mission.
The Talon-A-1 was released from Stratolaunch’s massive six-engine Roc aircraft off the coast of California before descending into the ocean as planned. Although this test vehicle was expendable, future versions will be designed for runway landings and reuse.
The milestone test flight aimed at achieving safe release of the vehicle, engine ignition, sustained climb to altitude, and controlled landing in water. Stratolaunch hailed the outcome as a significant step in developing the nation’s privately funded reusable hypersonic test capability.
Based at the Mojave Air and Space Port in the Mojave Desert, Stratolaunch operates the Roc aircraft, which has a wingspan of 117 meters and two twin fuselages. Originally conceived as a carrier plane for space launches, the project was repurposed for launching reusable hypersonic research vehicles.
Stratolaunch has secured flight contracts with the United States Air Force Research Laboratory and the Navy’s Multiservice Advanced Capability Test Bed program, in collaboration with technology company Leidos. The successful test flight marks a pivotal moment in advancing hypersonic research and technology.