Science & Technology

World's largest plane flies for the first time

By T.K. Randall
April 14, 2019

Image: AI-generated (Midjourney) Measuring a whopping 385ft across and capable of carrying payloads of up to 500,000 pounds, the massive plane almost looks like two airliners stuck together with its unusual dual-fuselage design.

Spearheaded by Microsoft co-founder Paul G. Allen, the project aims to create a cost-effective and reliable means with which to launch satellites, shuttles and other spacecraft from low-Earth orbit.

The huge aircraft took off for the first time from Mojave Air and Space Port in Mojave, California yesterday and stayed aloft for two-and-a-half hours at a peak altitude of 17,000ft.Its maiden flight enabled engineers to get a proper feel for its performance and handling.

Once it is ready for commercial operations, the plane, which is named Roc, will be able to serve as a relatively inexpensive option for launching satellite-carrying rockets in to space.

"What a fantastic first flight," said Stratolaunch CEO Jean Floyd. "Today's flight furthers our mission to provide a flexible alternative to ground-launched systems."

"We are incredibly proud of the Stratolaunch team, today's flight crew, our partners at Northrup Grumman's Scaled Composites and the Mojave Air and Space Port."


Source: Space.com

Tags: Stratolaunch