Exclusive: Pilots of World’s Largest Airplane Reveal Flight Details

Monday, January 17, 2022 at 12:11 PM ET

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The world’s largest airplane flew a low approach about 100 feet off the runway during Sunday’s test flight, Stratolaunch said. [Courtesy: Stratolaunch]

Key Takeaways:

Stratolaunch's "Roc," the world's largest airplane, successfully completed its third test flight, with Mark Giddings piloting from the left seat for the first time.
The mission significantly expanded the flight test envelope (altitude 23,500 feet, speed 180 kias) and successfully demonstrated the in-flight retraction and re-extension of a landing gear, a first for the aircraft.
Pilots executed challenging low approaches to evaluate the aircraft's unique handling, including a yaw augmentation system, highlighting the extensive preparation required for flying such a massive and complex plane.
This successful flight brings "Roc" closer to its objective of installing a pylon and beginning air-launch operations for hypersonic test vehicles later this year.

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For spectators on the ground, watching a 500,000 pound, six-engined, twin-fuselage jet fly a low approach about 100 feet above the runway was thrilling, to say the least. But for Stratolaunch pilot Mark “Gidro” Giddings, who was flying left seat in the world’s largest airplane, it was the result of months of simulator practice and years of experience.

Giddings, along with co-pilot Evan Thomas and flight engineer Jake Riley, successfully completed Sunday’s third test flight of the world’s largest airplane—nicknamed Roc—which is scheduled to begin air-launching hypersonic test vehicles later this year.