Stratolaunch Roc, the world's largest aircraft is ready to carry hypersonic vehicles on its 'shoulders'. If this is successful, then Roc will be on the next level.
The plane, designed by the late Microsoft founder Paul Allen, has just carried out its fifth test flight and it was a success. This success tested Roc to a higher level.
The company based in Mojave, California, USA, on May 26, has structurally completed the Talon-A or TA-0 test vehicle. Future Roc flights will release the unpowered TA-0 to assess the extent of the Roc system.
The Stratolaunch Roc is set up to perform flight tests by transporting a hypersonic vehicle. Photo: Stratolaunch
"After completing TA-0 separation testing, the company will move on to flying its first hypersonic test vehicle, the TA-1," Stratolaunch said in a statement.
Stratolaunch recently showcased the Talon-A separation test vehicle coupled to the Roc carrier aircraft.
"The team has also started fabrication of a third vehicle, the TA-2, the first fully reusable hypersonic test vehicle," Stratolaunch added.
Originally, the Stratolaunch was set to conduct its first drop tests with the Roc and Talon-A in early 2022, but the company revealed that it is now focusing on full operational capability by mid to late 2023.
TA-0 should make a captive carry flight later this year, meaning the vehicle will be tested under the Roc to see how that affects the flight dynamics of the 117-meter carrier aircraft.
The Stratolaunch Roc is set up to perform flight tests by transporting a hypersonic vehicle. Photo: Stratolaunch
When this aircraft was made for satellite launches in the air. However, when it moved from the late Paul Allen to its new owners, Roc wanted to be able to bring in a hypersonic vehicle that could travel at five times the speed of sound.
Because Russia and China are focusing on hypersonic development. The United States also does not want to remain silent, which can later be used by Uncle Sam's various military programs.
With this test, Stratolaunch, which developed the world's largest aircraft, was able to complete a hypersonic test program that would allow for great results for technology development, scientific research, or demonstrating key components that require high speed.