News

Stratolaunch Lumbers on Toward First Flight

A video shows progress in the extensive taxi testing that preceded the first flight.

Pia Bergqvist

Tuesday, February 27, 2018 at 11:10 PM ET

Verified

Key Takeaways:

Stratolaunch Systems Corp is conducting extensive taxi testing for its massive dual-fuselage, six-engine jet, showing good progress towards its first flight.
During recent tests at Mojave Air and Space Port, the aircraft reached speeds up to 40 knots, and the team successfully verified control responses.
The Stratolaunch boasts the world's largest wingspan at 385 feet, significantly wider than the 200-foot runway it utilizes.

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Pia Bergqvist

Pia Bergqvist joined FLYING in December 2010. A passionate aviator, Pia started flying in 1999 and quickly obtained her single- and multi-engine commercial, instrument and instructor ratings. After a decade of working in general aviation, Pia has accumulated almost 3,000 hours of flight time in nearly 40 different types of aircraft.