LARGEST PLANE ON EARTH

leelovesbug

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Stratolaunch
Published on Apr 13, 2019


In partnership with Scaled Composites, Stratolaunch successfully completed the first flight of the Stratolaunch aircraft. As part of this initial flight of the world's largest aircraft, the pilots evaluated aircraft performance and handling qualities of the all-composite, duel-fuselage design. The airplane took off at 0658 PDT on April 13, 2019, from the Mojave Air & Space Port, and flew for 2.5 hours, achieving a maximum speed of 189 miles per hour and reaching altitudes of up to 17,000 feet. The plane landed safely amid cheers from the team that designed and built the plane.
 
:jaw:It is impressive to be sure.:wow: Thanks Lee.:hat:
 
Longest wingspan, yes. Largest? Not really. An Airbus A380 would dwarf it. And it's butt ugly to boot. :lol:
 
Interesting. But what purpose was it designed for? :hmm:


Exactly....I did some quick searches , as I'm sure you did , and I finally found it is to be used to launch spacecraft from the sky.
 
Search for:


http://www.stratolaunch.com/how-we-launch/#






Search for:






[h=1]How we Launch[/h] Our Stratolaunch plane is the largest in the world. But it takes off and lands from a runway just like any other aircraft. Once it reaches a cruising altitude of 35,000 ft (10,668 m), one or more launch vehicles are released, allowing for rapid constellation deployment to different inclinations. As the launch vehicles ascend into orbit, the Stratolaunch plane heads back to the runway to reload for its next mission.






[h=1]Where Stratolaunch Soars[/h] [h=3]Flexibility[/h] When it comes to choosing your launch dates, orbit and inclination, the sky is just about the limit.

[h=3]Reliability[/h] Fixed-range launches are just that… fixed. With a mobile launch platform, you can avoid delays.

[h=3]Convenience[/h] Your big ideas shouldn’t have to wait. With 12 or more missions per year, we’re ready to launch when you are.








[h=1]Meet the World's Largest Plane[/h]
plane-diagram.png






[h=1]Sample Flight Plan[/h] [h=4]Click Below to Learn More[/h]



flight-plan-background.png





[h=1]Launch Vehicles[/h] [h=3]In Development[/h]

PEGASUS1.png

[h=3]Pegasus[/h] With its strong track record of over 35 successful launches, Pegasus provides dependable access to orbit.
[h=4]Capability[/h] 370 kg payload*
2020 first flight
Single or triple configuration
[h=4]Status[/h] Flight proven
Integration and testing ongoing
Learn More »





MLV1.png

[h=3]Medium Launch Vehicle[/h] A new medium-class air-launch vehicle optimized for short satellite integration timelines and flexible launch profiles.
[h=4]Capability[/h] 3,400 kg payload*
2022 first flight
[h=4]Status[/h] In development






[h=3]Under Study[/h]





HEAVY1.png

[h=3]Medium Launch Vehicle – Heavy[/h] A three-core MLV variant with capability to deploy heavier payloads to orbit.
[h=4]Capability[/h] 6,000 kg payload*
[h=4]Status[/h] Early development





SPACE_PLANE2.png

[h=3]Space Plane[/h] A fully reusable space plane that enables advanced in-orbit capabilities and cargo return. Initial designs optimized for cargo launch, with a follow-on variant capable of transporting crew.
[h=4]Capability[/h] Medium-class payload or crew
[h=4]Status[/h] Design study






* Estimated performance for a 400 km circular orbit at 28.5°






[h=1]The Stratolaunch Difference[/h] As satellites get smaller and easier to build, the number of organizations that can take advantage of space is growing exponentially. The problem is: advancements in launch capabilities haven’t kept up — and satellites are stuck on the ground as a result.
Stratolaunch is ushering in a brand-new way to reach space. What was once the final frontier will now be as accessible as a commercial flight thanks to our versatile air-launch capabilities and our revolutionary aircraft and launch vehicle designs.
By taking off from a runway, we can circumvent bad weather, air traffic and other variables that cause delays with traditional ground launches. So we’re able launch more quickly and more often. Our innovative twin fuselage carrier aircraft was engineered to enable deployments of a range of launch vehicle shapes and mass-classes.
Ease of use, frequency and flexibility are what set Stratolaunch apart.
 
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