Stratolaunch Achieves First Powered Hypersonic Test Vehicle Flight
Stratolaunch achieved the first powered flight of its Talon-A hypersonic test vehicle, TA-1, last week.
Reaching Mach 5, the flight achieved its primary objectives, including safe air-launch release of the test vehicle, engine ignition, acceleration, sustained climb in altitude, and a controlled water landing.
Mach 5 is the threshold of hypersonic speed.
“While I can’t share the specific altitude and speed TA-1 reached due to proprietary agreements with our customers, we are pleased to share that in addition to meeting all primary and customer objectives of the flight, we reached high supersonic speeds approaching Mach 5 and collected a great amount of data at an incredible value to our customers,” Stratolaunch President and CEO Zachary Krevor said.
TA-1 Hypersonic Test Vehicle
The trial is the culmination of months of preparation and testing, including two captive carry flight tests in December and February.
A Roc aircraft launched the disposable TA-1 with a payload of 1,000 pounds (453 kilograms), according to Interesting Engineering.
The two-fuselage aircraft can carry three Talons simultaneously and release them at different altitudes and locations, the outlet added.
Powered Test Vehicle
The test vehicle is powered by an Ursa Major Hadley engine with a thrust of 5,000 pounds (2,268 kilograms).
Colorado-based Ursa designed, built, and tested the liquid oxygen and kerosene, oxygen-rich staged combustion cycle rocket engine within ten years, according to Interesting Engineering.
More Talon Versions
Meanwhile, Stratolaunch plans to test Talon’s first reusable version, the TA-2, and is set to manufacture the second reusable version, the TA-3.
“Our goal with this flight was to continue our risk reduction approach for TA-2’s first reusable flight and be steadfast on our commitment of delivering maximum value to our customers. We are excited to review the data from today’s test and use it as we plan our next steps toward TA-2’s first flight later this year,” Krevor added.
Additionally, a larger hypersonic vehicle, A-Z, with a speed of up to Mach 10, is reportedly on the horizon.
