Stratolaunch TA-1 Hypersonic Test Vehicle Completes First Powered Flight

The company said the test craft, part of its Talon-A product line, reached supersonic speeds approaching Mach 5.

Jonathan Welsh

Monday, March 11, 2024 at 03:19 PM ET

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Stratolaunch's Talon-A stands ready to be carried aloft on the Roc launch aircraft. [Courtesy: Stratolaunch]

Key Takeaways:

Stratolaunch successfully completed the first powered flight of its TA-1 test vehicle, marking a major milestone for the nation's first privately funded, reusable hypersonic test capability.
During the test, the TA-1 achieved high supersonic speeds approaching Mach 5 after a safe release and engine ignition, collecting valuable flight data.
The flight met all objectives, including sustained climb and a controlled water landing, and will inform the development and planned first reusable flight of the TA-2 vehicle later this year.

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Stratolaunch has completed the first powered flight of its TA-1 test vehicle, marking what the company called a “major milestone in the development of the country’s first privately funded, reusable hypersonic test capability.”

Stratolaunch said the main objectives of the test on March 9 included the basic phases of the TA-1’s flight, such as a safe release from the Roc air-launch aircraft, followed by engine ignition, acceleration, and sustained climb in altitude. The flight concluded with a controlled water landing.