Summary
- Stratolaunch has acquired a Boeing 747, named Spirit of Mojave, to increase its inflight test capacity and support its global customers.
- The aircraft, previously known as Launcher One under Virgin Orbit, will be modified to serve as a launch platform for Stratolaunch’s Talon-A hypersonic testbed.
- Stratolaunch’s flagship aircraft, Roc, recently completed its first captive carry flight of a Talon-A hypersonic vehicle, bringing the company one step closer to a powered flight.
Stratolaunch has taken delivery of its latest aircraft – a Boeing 747 named Spirit of Mojave. The aircraft touched down at the Mojave Air and Space Port in the Mojave Desert on December 5th, and will be used to increase the company’s inflight test capacity and ability to support its customers worldwide.
Photo: Stratolaunch
According to Stratolaunch, the 747’s name was chosen by the company’s employees as “a tribute to the passion of the Mojave aerospace community, that has built and tested some of the world’s most unique aircraft.”
Former Launcher One and Cosmic Girl
The aircraft was acquired from Virgin Orbit, where it operated as Launcher One. Already under immense financial pressure, Virgin Orbit collapsed after the failure of a test mission earlier this year. Stratolaunch announced its intention to acquire the aircraft back in May 2023. At the time, the company’s President and CEO, Dr. Zachary Krevor, said,
“The addition of this aircraft is a transformational milestone. With Roc remaining as our mainstay aircraft, an additional 747 brings expanded capabilities and flexibility to our platform. We will be able to increase both our flight test capacity and reach to become an even stronger partner to global customers.”
The aircraft’s existing modifications make it a suitable choice as a launch platform for Stratolaunch’s Talon-A reusable hypersonic testbed. The 747’s range will also benefit the company, allowing it to reach as far away as Australia. Now that it has arrived in its new home, the aircraft will undergo some further modifications, such as the installation of a launch pylon, and is expected to be operational in the first half of 2024.
Before arriving at Virgin Orbit, the 747 flew for Virgin Atlantic for 14 years, sporting the name Cosmic Girl. The aircraft was delivered new to the UK-based long-haul carrier in October 2001, where it remained until 2015. In that time, it completed more than 8,200 flights.
Talon-A – one step closer to powered flight
Stratolaunch’s mission is “to advance high-speed technology through innovative design, manufacturing, and operation of world-class aerospace vehicles.” Earlier this month, the company’s flagship aircraft, Roc, completed its first captive carry flight of a live Talon-A hypersonic vehicle. The initial results showed that the flight had gone to plan, representing another step towards the goal of the Talon-A completing a powered flight itself.
Photo: Stratolaunch
Roc is the largest aircraft in the world, with a unique twin-fuselage design and a wingspan of 385 ft. The aircraft took its first flight in April 2019, and has since flown a further eleven times on various test missions.
What do you think of Stratolaunch’s latest acquisition? Did you fly on the 747 when it operated for Virgin Atlantic as Cosmic Girl? Share your thoughts and experiences by commenting below.
