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3w ago

Pentagon Confirms Second Successful Reusable Hypersonic Test Flight

Stratolaunch’s Talon-A2 vehicle exceeded Mach 5 in March, marking a milestone in reusable hypersonic technology under the MACH-TB program.

The Pentagon building is seen in Arlington, Virginia, U.S. October 9, 2020. REUTERS/Carlos Barria/File Photo
Stratolaunch completed the second hypersonic flight and recovery with the Talon-A2 fully autonomous vehicle. Credit: Stratolaunch
Stratolaunch's Talon-A2 first autonomous landing at Vandenberg Space Force Base. (PRNewsfoto/Stratolaunch)
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Overview

  • The U.S. has completed two reusable hypersonic test flights, with the latest in March 2025, achieving speeds above Mach 5 and landing at Vandenberg Space Force Base.
  • These tests, conducted under the Pentagon's MACH-TB initiative, mark the first reusable hypersonic flight testing since the X-15 program ended in 1968.
  • The Stratolaunch Talon-A2 vehicle launched from the twin-fuselage Roc aircraft, the world’s largest plane, and demonstrated full reusability with controlled runway recoveries.
  • The Talon-A platform, powered by Ursa Major’s Hadley rocket engine, is designed to accelerate the development of hypersonic weapons and reduce costs through rapid turnaround capabilities.
  • Stratolaunch and the Department of Defense are analyzing data from these flights to optimize vehicle performance and prepare for up to three additional tests under existing contracts.