Stratolaunch Completes First Powered Flight of Hypersonic Test Vehicle

The test flight marks a significant milestone in the development of reusable hypersonic test capabilities.

Stratolaunch Systems conducted the first powered flight of its Talon-A hypersonic test vehicle, marking a significant milestone in the development of reusable hypersonic test capabilities.
The Talon-A test vehicle, launched from the Roc carrier aircraft, achieved high supersonic speeds approaching Mach 5 during its test flight over the Pacific Ocean.
Stratolaunch aims to advance hypersonic technology through innovative design and operation, with plans for further testing and the development of additional reusable vehicles.
The company was founded by the late Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen, with an initial focus on launching orbital vehicles, but has since shifted to hypersonic flight testing.
Stratolaunch's achievements demonstrate progress in the aerospace industry's efforts to develop privately funded, reusable hypersonic vehicles.