One of the leaders of the Stratolaunch project, Paul Allen posted a Twitter video of the testing of the prototype aircraft Stratolaunch, during which he made a few rounds on the runway. According to preliminary calculations, the device can lift up to 250 tons of cargo (despite the fact that the plane weighs 230 tons). It is expected that the first test flight will take place in 2019.
Stratolaunch are planning to use as an aerial platform for launching rockets to deliver cargo to low earth orbit. If the plane successfully take off, it will become the largest aircraft in the air: the wingspan of the aircraft is 117 meters.
Captured new video of @Stratolaunch plane as it taxi reached a top speed of 40 knots (46 mph) with all flight surfaces in place on Sunday. The team verified control responses, building on the first taxi tests conducted in December. pic.twitter.com/OcH1ZkxZRA
— Paul Allen (@PaulGAllen) October 26, 2018
Testing took place on 24 and 25 February. To test the engines and systems unit has completed several visits. On the runway Stratolaunch has a top speed of 40 knots (46 mph).
Testing the world’s largest plane was caught on video
Ilya Hel