Leonard David's INSIDE OUTER SPACE

Credit: Stratolaunch

Stratolaunch has rolled out new information regarding use of its humongous carrier craft to advance the nation’s ability to design and operate hypersonic vehicles.

Credit: Stratolaunch

Humongous carrier craft on a roll.
Credit: Stratolaunch

This air-launch approach to hypersonic testing features use of Talon-A, a fully reusable, autonomous, liquid rocket-powered Mach 6-class hypersonic vehicle.

Talon-A.
Credit: Stratolaunch

Inside look of Talon-A.
Credit: Stratolaunch

Talon-A is 28 feet (8.5 m) in length, has a wingspan of 11.3 feet (3.4 m), and a launch weight of approximately 6,000 pounds (2,722 Kg).

The Talon-A will conduct over 1-minute of hypersonic flight testing, and glide back for an autonomous, horizontal landing on a conventional runway. The vehicle will also be capable of autonomous take-off, under its own power, via a conventional runway, according to the company.

Currently in development is Talon-Z.

Reusable space plane

Black Ice, a fully reusable space plane.
Credit: Stratolaunch

Another craft that’s part of the Stratolaunch fleet is Black Ice, a fully reusable space plane that enables advanced on-orbit capabilities and cargo return. Initial designs of the vehicle are optimized for cargo launch, with a follow-on variant capable of transporting crew.

“Our hypersonic testbeds will serve as a catalyst in sparking a renaissance in hypersonic technologies for our government, the commercial sector, and academia,” says Jean Floyd, Chief Executive Officer of Stratolaunch.

Home for the Stratolaunch manufacturing facilities is Mojave Air and Space Port, California. The company headquarters is Seattle, Washington.

For more information, go to: https://www.stratolaunch.com/stratolaunch