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.
Scaled Composites Completes First Flight of Secretive Experimental
Key Takeaways:
- Scaled Composites successfully conducted the first flight of its experimental Model 401 aircraft for a proprietary customer.
- The Model 401 is a proof-of-concept designed to modernize and reduce manufacturing costs, featuring distinct sharp angles on its wings and tail.
- Key specifications include a 38-foot wingspan and length, 3-hour endurance, 8,000 pounds max takeoff weight, and a jet engine allowing speeds up to Mach 0.6 at 30,000 feet.
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