Founded in 2011, Stratolaunch Systems produces and operates hypersonic testbeds.
The Roc aircraft is described as a mobile multi-vehicle launch platform, built to carry and launch hypersonic and aerospace craft. With a twin-fuselage design and powered by six engines, the 117m-wide aircraft is said to have the longest wingspan in the world.
The plane first flew on 13 April 2019, and completed its third test flight on 17 January 2022, when it flew for four hours and 23 minutes over the Mojave Desert in California after taking off at 08:47 (California time). The aircraft reached an altitude of 23,500ft (7,160m) at an indicated airspeed of 180 knots.
Image credit: ,
As a result of the test, the company says it is now edging closer to reaching its hypersonic goals. Stratolaunch notes that the...