World’s Largest Airplane Preps for Flight with Crucial New Test Equipment

Stratolaunch’s Roc returned to the airfield at Mojave Air and Space Port this week, as crew members prepared the world’s largest airplane for a crucial flight to test its new carrier pylon.

Thom Patterson

Friday, April 22, 2022 at 09:04 AM ET

Verified

Stratolaunch’s massive Roc appeared for the first time Thursday with a carrier pylon on its center wing that will be used to launch hypersonic testbeds in flight. [Courtesy: Stratolaunch]

Key Takeaways:

Stratolaunch’s Roc, the world's largest airplane by wingspan, is preparing for its fifth test flight to evaluate a newly installed carrier pylon.
This critical pylon is designed to carry and launch autonomous, rocket-powered Talon-A testbeds, enabling them to blast across the sky at hypersonic speeds (Mach 5 or faster).
The Talon-A vehicles will provide "threat replication" data for customers, including the Pentagon's Missile Defense Agency, to help understand and counter hypersonic weapons.
Stratolaunch aims to conduct the Talon-A's first hypersonic test flight by the end of 2022, with operational capability anticipated in mid- to late 2023.

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Stratolaunch’s Roc returned to the airfield at Mojave Air and Space Port (KMHV) this week, as crew members prepared the world’s largest airplane by wingspan for a crucial flight to test its new carrier pylon.

The one-of-a-kind aircraft powered by six Pratt & Whitney PW4056 engines, and with wings measuring longer than an NFL football field was spotted Thursday performing low-speed taxi tests. But unlike previous excursions, this was the first time Roc was seen with an attached pylon, which is designed to carry and launch hypersonic Talon-A testbeds.