Virgin Galactic Holdings on August 3 announced—in collaboration with Rolls-Royce as the powerplant provider—the creation of a new Mach 3 commercial aircraft. Virgin Galactic Holdings includes a spaceship manufacturing arm. There’s no small amount of irony that Virgin Galactic made its announcement of its futuristic travel machine within hours of sister Virgin empire organization, Virgin Atlantic Airways, filing for bankruptcy over cash flow issues.
Virgin Galactic Unveils Mach 3 Aircraft
Key Takeaways:
- Virgin Galactic, in collaboration with Rolls-Royce, announced plans for a new Mach 3 commercial aircraft for high-speed travel.
- The proposed delta-wing aircraft is designed to carry 9-19 passengers at altitudes above 60,000 feet, featuring custom cabin layouts and aiming to use sustainable aviation fuel.
- Intended for long-distance commercial routes, the aircraft will operate from traditional airports and integrate into existing global aviation infrastructure.
- The FAA has authorized Virgin Galactic to outline a certification framework for the aircraft, though no development timeline was provided.
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