At Stratolaunch’s facility at California’s Mojave Air and Space Port (KMHV), engineers, technicians, and flight crews are preparing the world’s largest airplane for its next test flight. Here are a few key facts and figures highlighting the one-of-a-kind air-to-launch carrier airplane known as Roc.
Stratolaunch’s Roc, the world’s largest airplane by wingspan, now includes a new pylon on its center wing. [Courtesy: Stratolaunch]
Key Takeaways:
Stratolaunch's Roc, the world's largest airplane by wingspan (385 feet), is preparing for its fifth test flight at Mojave Air and Space Port.
A new custom pylon, crucial for its business model, has been attached to the center wing to carry and release rocket-powered, hypersonic testbeds like the Talon-A.
The upcoming flight will closely monitor the pylon's aerodynamic performance and other metrics in preparation for future separation testing and hypersonic flight tests.
Roc's design incorporates numerous components, including its six engines and eight landing gear, salvaged from retired Boeing 747-400 passenger jets.
At Stratolaunch’s facility at California’s Mojave Air and Space Port (KMHV), engineers, technicians, and flight crews are preparing the world’s largest airplane for its fifth test flight.
Roc, the twin-fuselage behemoth with a wingspan longer than an NFL football field, will have a new piece of equipment on board: a custom pylon attached to the airplane’s center wing.
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Thom is a former senior editor for FLYING. Previously, his freelance reporting appeared in aviation industry magazines. Thom also spent three decades as a TV and digital journalist at CNN’s bureaus in Washington and Atlanta, eventually specializing in aviation. He has reported from air shows in Oshkosh, Farnborough and Paris. Follow Thom on Twitter @thompatterson.
