The private American company Stratolaunch has announced that it has successfully tested the Talon-A hypersonic vehicle. It is known that the glider reached a speed close to Mach 5. Other flight characteristics are not given. This is stated on the company's website, reports UNN.
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The tests included "safe descent from the air," engine ignition, acceleration, steady climb, and controlled landing on water.
Today was a great day for the Stratolaunch team. I am extremely proud of their perseverance in achieving the goal
Crevor noted that the data collected will be valuable for customers. The company hopes to complete the development of Talon-A this year.
The Talon-A is 8.5 meters long, 3.4 meters wide, and has a takeoff weight of 2.72 tons; the airframe, according to Stratolaunch's plan, separates from the aircraft after takeoff and flies with its own liquid rocket engine.
It is expected to reach a speed of Mach seven and will land on a conventional runway after the Talon-A mission.