The Stratolaunch plane, the world's largest, performs a 4hr test flight in Mojave, California.
Image Credit: REUTERS
2 of 13
The gigantic Stratolaunch aircraft flew for its second time, taking to the skies over the Southern California desert.
Image Credit: AP
3 of 13
The six-engine jet with the world's longest wingspan took off from Mojave Air and Space Port two years after its maiden flight, following a change in ownership and purpose.
Image Credit: REUTERS
4 of 13
"We are airborne," the Stratolaunch company tweeted at about 7:30 a.m.
Image Credit: REUTERS
5 of 13
The behemoth safely touched down on its 28 wheels about three hours later and Stratolaunch called the flight test a success.
Image Credit: REUTERS
6 of 13
Named Roc, the twin-fuselage aircraft has a wingspan of 385 feet (117 meters).
Image Credit: REUTERS
7 of 13
It was developed by Microsoft co-founder Paul G. Allen, who died just months before it flew for the first time in April 2019.
Image Credit: AP
8 of 13
Allen intended to use it as a carrier aircraft for space launches, carrying satellite-laden rockets beneath the center of the wing and releasing them at high altitude.
Image Credit: REUTERS
9 of 13
The new owners initially plan to use it as a carrier aircraft for launches of reusable hypersonic flight research vehicles.
Image Credit: REUTERS
10 of 13
Hypersonic describes flights at speeds of at least Mach 5, or five times the speed of sound.
Image Credit: REUTERS
11 of 13
The Stratolaunch plane comes in for a landing over Virgin Orbit 747 Cosmic Girl after it performed a 2nd test flight in Mojave
Image Credit: REUTERS
12 of 13
The Stratolaunch plane comes in for a landing after it performed a 4hr test flight in Mojave.
Image Credit: REUTERS
13 of 13
The Stratolaunch aircraft is seen at Mojave Air and Space Port in Mojave, California.
Image Credit: AP
This website stores cookies on your computer. These cookies are used to improve your experience and provide more personalized service to you.
Both on your website and other media. To find out more about the cookies and data we use, please check out our Privacy Policy.
