The Roc transport aircraft, with a wingspan of 117 meters, more than double that of a conventional commercial airplane, has successfully completed its fourth flight.
The Roc aircraft from Stratolaunch before takeoff at Mojave Air and Space Port on February 24. (Photo: Twitter/Stratolaunch)
The Roc is the largest aircraft ever built in terms of wingspan, completing its fourth test flight. This massive aircraft, developed by Stratolaunch, is designed to carry and launch vehicles into the air. It has a wingspan of 117 meters, more than double that of a typical commercial airplane.
The Roc took off from Mojave Air and Space Port in California at 3:23 PM local time on February 24 and flew for approximately 1 hour and 43 minutes, reaching a maximum altitude of 4,572 meters. The flight primarily aimed to test the retraction of the landing gear and further demonstrate the aircraft’s capabilities.
“Today’s successful flight has validated and confirmed improvements to the systems and overall performance of the transport aircraft. The landing gear retraction test brings the aircraft closer to operational status, a necessary milestone before it is ready for hypersonic testing and separation with Talon-A later this year,” said Zachary Krevor, CEO and President of Stratolaunch.
The Roc aircraft flew for approximately 1 hour and 43 minutes during the test on February 24. (Photo: Stratolaunch)
Paul Allen, co-founder of Microsoft, established Stratolaunch in 2011 with the vision of creating a more cost-effective method for launching satellites from mid-air instead of using rockets. Allen passed away in October 2018, before the Roc began its flight testing program. Its first test flight took place in April 2019.
In October 2019, Stratolaunch was sold to new owners and shifted its focus to launching hypersonic vehicles. These types of vehicles can travel at speeds at least five times the speed of sound.
Stratolaunch is also developing its own line of hypersonic vehicles, including the 8.5-meter-long reusable aircraft named Talon-A. This will be the first vehicle that the Roc will carry. However, before this mission occurs, it needs to conduct a few more solo flights. Currently, Stratolaunch aims to officially become operational by mid to late 2023.
