Stratolaunch aircraft announced a major milestone in its journey toward providing convenient,dependable, and routine access to low Earth orbit on Wednesday as it moved its aircraft out of the hangar to conduct aircraft fueling tests for the first time ever.
This marks the completion of the initial aircraft construction phase and the beginning of the aircraft ground and flight testing phase, and the company’s website reports.
Over the past few weeks,Starlaunch removed the fabrication infrastructure, including the three-myth scaffolding surrounding the aircraft, and rested the aircraft’s full weight on its 28 wheels for the first time. This was thought to be crucial step in preparing the aircraft for ground testing,engine runs, taxi tests, and ultimately first flight.
Once the company achieved weight-on-wheels,it enabled them to weigh the Stratolaunch aircraft for the first time, coming in at approximately 500000 lbs.
The Stratolaunch aircraft is designed for a max takeoff weight of 1300000 lbs., or meaning it’s capable of carrying payloads up to approximately 550000 lbs.
Source: tert.am