Third Known Hypersonic Flight By Stratolaunch Stratolaunch have been a bit quiet lately but they have been subtly working behind the scenes on the hypersonic program. In fact, the company just announced a few days ago about their latest hypersonic test flight with the Talon-A hypersonic vehicle. The company says this was back in March when Stratolaunch successfully executed MDA’s (United States Missile Defense Agency ) Flight Test Experiment Other-04 (FEX)-04 flight test mission from Mojave Air and Space Port supporting ongoing hypersonic flight testing. Stratolaunch used the 'Spirit of Mojave' aircraft to transport the Talon-A3 vehicle to the planned release conditions, which enabled the aircraft to begin its flight profile at higher altitudes.
The Spirit of Mojave is a Boeing 747-400 jet specifically modified to carry the Talon-A aircraft and be able to support these particular tests. The aircraft enables flexible global flight operations and rapid mission turnaround from conventional runways. Given that this is experimental type territory we know this is the third publicly-known hypersonic flight.
"Hypersonic testing requires precision, speed and reliable access to flight. Each mission expands the nation’s ability to test and advance critical technologies, and we are proud to support our government partners as they accelerate innovation in high-speed flight", said Dr. Zachary Krevor, President and CEO, Stratolaunch.
The Talon-A fleet of aircraft serves as reusable hypersonic test platforms designed to collect data in high-speed flight environments. These vehicles provide a national capability to support government and industry efforts to advance hypersonic technologies. For more information: Stratolaunch HQ 555 Riccomini St, Mojave, CA 93501 www.stratolaunch.com ***
