Stratolaunch has announced plans to launch its reusable Talon-A hypersonic testbed aircraft from the Spirit of Mojave, a modified Boeing 747, under a new $24.7 million agreement with the Missile Defense Agency (MDA).
A “nimble” alternative to Roc
Stratolaunch’s Roc, the world’s largest aircraft by wingspan, has been the company’s flagship for hypersonic testing, but the Spirit of Mojave provides an alternative with enhanced maneuverability and operational flexibility.
The modified Boeing 747, formerly known as Cosmic Girl, was part of Virgin Orbit’s fleet, acting as a mothership for rockets that delivered small satellites into space.
This aircraft will allow flight test missions to extend beyond Stratolaunch’s headquarters at the Mojave Air and Space Port in California to locations around the globe.
“By enabling Talon-A launches from any airport capable of accommodating a 747, Stratolaunch is delivering on its commitment to provide its customers operational flexibility and global scalability,” Stratolaunch President and CEO Dr. Zachary Krevor stated.
Advancing hypersonic defense capabilities
The Spirit of Mojave’s modifications, set to take place at Stratolaunch’s Mojave headquarters, will adapt the aircraft to accommodate Talon-A launches. The project is expected to culminate in a hypersonic flight test campaign in late 2025.
“This mission will enhance our national security posture, enabling rapid testing of new missile defense architectures designed to defend against hypersonic threats,” Krevor noted.
The collaboration with the MDA will concentrate on developing countermeasures against hypersonic weapons, which can be challenging to detect and neutralize due to their speed, maneuverability and unpredictable trajectories.
The last flight test involving the Talon-A took place on March 9, 2024, when the test vehicle successfully separated from Roc mid-air before accelerating away.