World's largest aircraft by wingspan takes off

An American aerospace company has conducted a second successful test flight of the world's largest aircraft by wingspan, named the "Roc".

Stratolaunch conducted the test from the Mojave Air and Space Port in Mojave, California.

After cancelling a flight on April 24 due to unfavourable weather, the test took place today.

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https://twitter.com/Stratolaunch/status/1387811871944712194?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw

Once the plane was airborne, the Roc performed various flight test maneuvers.

"Touchdown!" Stratolaunch tweeted as the aircraft landed.

"Successful flight tests to round out the day. What a beautiful sight".

The 117-metre wingspan aircraft flew for three hours and 14 minutes over the Mojave Desert and reached an altitude of 4267.2 metres.

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As part of this latest flight, pilots further prepared the carrier aircraft to support launches of its upcoming hypersonic testbed vehicle, Talon-A.

Talon-A is a fully reusable, autonomous, liquid rocket-powered Mach 6-class hypersonic vehicle.

"We're focused on safely and securely releasing operational hypersonic vehicles from our carrier aircraft," Stratolaunch chief operating officer Dr Zachary Krevor said.

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"The test flight today provided valuable insights and data to help us continue this journey."

Stratolaunch is working to advance high-speed technology through design, manufacturing, and operation of aerospace vehicles.

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