Private American company Stratolaunch has announced that it successfully conducted a test of the hypersonic vehicle Talon-A. It is known only that the vehicle reached a speed close to 5 Mach. Other flight characteristics are not provided.
The tests included “safe descent of the aircraft from the air”, engine ignition, acceleration, stable ascent, and controlled water landing. “Today was a great day for the Stratolaunch team. I am extremely proud of their perseverance in achieving the goal,” said the company’s president Zakary Krevor in a statement.
Mr. Krevor noted that the data collected will be valuable for customers. The company hopes to complete the development of Talon-A this year.
The vehicle was lifted into the air by the six-engine Roc carrier aircraft. Talon-A completed its flight by descending into the ocean. It is expected that the future version will be capable of landing for further reuse.