Technology
Space /
USA
Two fuselage plane
Differentiated model can resume flight tests today
Roc
Image: Stratolaunch
Rafael Ramos
4/20/2021
Developed by Scaled Composites, the strange two-fuselage aircraft was made to provide a launch pad for rockets and aerospace vehicles.
As the largest aircraft in the world at 117 meters, bigger even than the Antonov An-225, 73 m long and 15 m high, the Stratolaunch 351 was carrying out its last tests on the ground a few days ago, such as racing in high speed track. The aircraft is expected to return to the skies today, after a long hiatus for administrative restructuring. The model had already made its first flight in April 2019.
Roc
Image: Stratolaunch
The flight should have happened yesterday (April 19), however, adverse weather conditions did not allow this to happen safely. “We were unable to fly today [yesterday] due to the weather, but we are ready for our next opportunity to be on the air.”, According to a company publication.
The company also published images of its aircraft while conducting runway tests last week in the Mojave Desert at the Mojave Air and Space Port. This location is widely used for aerospace testing and for aircraft storage, since the hot, dry climate helps to preserve aircraft, mainly because of corrosion prevention.
Model 351 perto de seu hangar
Stratolaunch
Divulgação/Stratolaunch
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Rafael Ramos
Aviation enthusiast from an early age, he had his first contacts with the area developing that good old habit of spending dozens of hours in front of the screens of Micrsoft Flight Simulator and other simulators. With a solid background in various technological areas, including engineering and chemistry, Rafael has rejoined aviation as editor and author of articles and materials on our portal, providing invaluable help to the dynamics and expansion of the website and the aeronautical community, bringing us the news and updates so indispensable for us to remain current in our area of operation.
   
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