Stratolaunch's Reusable Hypersonic Plane
Stratolaunch has achieved a significant milestone in hypersonic flight testing. Their Talon-A2 rocket plane, launched from a massive carrier aircraft, has successfully completed two autonomous hypersonic flights over the Pacific Ocean, landing at Vandenberg Space Force Base. This marks the first time a reusable hypersonic rocket plane has been flown autonomously in the United States since the X-15 program.
Autonomous Flight: The Key Advancement
The autonomous nature of the Talon-A2 is crucial. Hypersonic systems demand maneuvers exceeding human capabilities, making autonomous flight essential for exploring the full potential of hypersonic technology. This capability, lost with the retirement of the X-15, is now being regained.
Military Applications and the Hypersonic Race
The Pentagon's interest in hypersonic technology stems from a perceived technological gap with China. Hypersonic weapons are difficult to detect and intercept, posing a significant challenge to traditional defense systems. Stratolaunch's reusable platform allows for a much higher frequency of testing, aiming to close this gap.
The company's goal is to achieve monthly, and eventually weekly, flights. This increased testing cadence is vital for the rapid development and deployment of effective hypersonic systems. The demand for hypersonic testing is substantial, with estimates of a $6 billion to $7 billion market.
The Future of Hypersonic Testing
With a second rocket plane, Talon-A3, under development, and the acquisition of a Boeing 747 carrier aircraft, Stratolaunch is poised for expansion. This will enable testing from diverse locations, furthering the advancement of this critical technology. Stratolaunch’s success represents a significant shift towards leveraging commercial partnerships for national defense needs.
Source: Wired