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Scaled Composites Completes First Flight of Secretive Experimental

Scaled Composites' Model 401 flew its first test flight this week. Scaled Composites
Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • Scaled Composites successfully conducted the first flight of their experimental Model 401 aircraft, designed for a "proprietary customer."
  • The Model 401 aims to modernize and reduce the cost of manufacturing techniques, featuring sharper angles than typical aircraft designs.
  • Key specifications include a 38-foot wingspan and length, a three-hour endurance, and capabilities to fly at 30,000 feet and speeds up to Mach 0.6.
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Mojave, California-based Scaled Composites, which was founded by famed aircraft engineering visionary Burt Rutan who retired in 2011, this week conducted the first flight of an experimental airplane named Model 401. The airplane was designed for a “proprietary customer.” The proof-of-concept features sharper angles than we’re used to seeing on the wings and vertical tail sections and one goal of the experimental design is to help modernize and reduce the cost of manufacturing techniques. The customer commissioned two of these airplanes.

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.

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