World's record-holding aircraft takes to the skies again in California
The Roc aircraft, which has the largest wingspan in the world, performed two training flights in California after a five-month hiatus. This twin-fuselage aircraft was created for the air-launch of large experimental devices.
Record-breaking aircraft takes to the skies again in California
The Roc aircraft, owned by the Stratolaunch company, has a wingspan of 117 meters. This is the largest figure among all aircraft created to date. The vehicle is registered under the number N351SL.
According to information provided by the AirNav Radar service, the aircraft made two short flights on October 2. Both took place near the Mojave Air and Space Port. During the second flight, the Roc circled around the airport several times.
The Roc was designed not as an ordinary cargo transport aircraft, but as an air-launch platform to bring large experimental vehicles to a designated altitude. It is also intended for carrying other payloads.
Stratolaunch is expanding its air-launch fleet
The company is not limiting itself to just the Roc for these tasks. It has also acquired a Boeing 747-400 aircraft previously owned by Virgin Orbit.
Named "Spirit of Mojave", this aircraft has been re-equipped to carry Talon experimental vehicles. The Boeing 747 can operate at more airports than the Roc. This expands the possibilities for conducting tests of hypersonic vehicles in various locations.
In September, Stratolaunch announced the purchase of another large aircraft — a Boeing 777-200ER. Plans are also in place to convert it into an air-launch platform for experimental vehicles.
Operations using the Boeing 777 are expected to begin in 2027. According to the company's estimates, the addition of this aircraft will increase flight testing capabilities by approximately 35 percent. Stratolaunch explains this by the growing demand for testing hypersonic technologies.