Beyond The Sprues

Modelling => Ideas & Inspiration => Aero-space => Topic started by: The Big Gimper on June 20, 2016, 05:41:13 PM

Title: Stratolaunch Systems
Post by: The Big Gimper on June 20, 2016, 05:41:13 PM
MOJAVE, Calif. – When you walk into the place where Seattle software billionaire Paul Allen’s Stratolaunch Systems is building the world’s biggest airplane, it feels as if you’re stepping into the Starship Enterprise’s construction zone.

This view of Stratolaunch Systems’ hangar at Mojave Air and Space Port in California shows the massive airplane’s left-side fuselage and scaffolding. At least six people are in the picture. To spot them, click on the image and look for the red circles in an enlarged version. (Credit: Vulcan Inc.)

(http://cdn.geekwire.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/160619-strato2x.jpg)

When the plane is loaded up with 550,000 pounds of payload, it’s projected to weigh in at 1.3 million pounds. That’s close to the weight of the world’s most massive airplane, the Russian-made Antonov An-225 cargo transport. And Stratolaunch trumps the An-225 when it comes to wingspan, thanks to its heavy use of lightweight graphite composites.

Stratolaunch purchased two used Boeing 747 jets for additional parts, including six engines (plus two spares), eight sets of landing gear, the seats, avionics and other cockpit equipment.

(http://aerospace.vulcan.com/getattachment/StratolaunchPlane-(3).png.aspx?lang=en-US)

Sources:
Geekwire: Paul Allen’s Stratolaunch lifts veil on world’s biggest plane — a giant bet on a new way to space (http://www.geekwire.com/2016/paul-allen-stratolaunch-biggest-airplane/)
Stratolaunch Systems: Vulcan Aerospace Home Page (http://aerospace.vulcan.com/)
Title: Re: Stratolaunch Systems
Post by: The Big Gimper on June 21, 2016, 02:29:20 AM
More images:

(https://scontent-yyz1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/t31.0-8/13442685_529821353892627_3864861890475751590_o.jpg)

Title: Re: Stratolaunch Systems
Post by: jcf on June 21, 2016, 02:48:08 AM
Yep it's a cool project.

p.s. Carl, this subject can go in Ideas & Inspiration -> Aero-space.  ;)
Title: Re: Stratolaunch Systems
Post by: GTX_Admin on June 21, 2016, 03:22:12 AM
I wonder if they will use it for non-launching duties - e.g. outsize cargo lifts?
Title: Re: Stratolaunch Systems
Post by: Alvis 3.1 on June 21, 2016, 03:36:01 AM
I would bet there would be some very interesting stress factors at work following payload drops.


Alvis 3.1
Title: Re: Stratolaunch Systems
Post by: The Big Gimper on June 21, 2016, 04:00:41 AM
"SPROING!!!" comes to mind.  :o
Title: Re: Stratolaunch Systems
Post by: Tophe on June 21, 2016, 10:43:55 AM
I am glad twin-fuselage aircraft is up to date! :)
Title: Re: Stratolaunch Systems
Post by: The Big Gimper on June 01, 2017, 03:17:44 AM
Almost there.

For the first time ever, the Stratolaunch aircraft moved out of the hangar to conduct aircraft fueling tests. This marks the completion of the initial aircraft construction phase and transition into the aircraft ground and flight testing phase.

(http://stratolaunch.com/images/slideshow/slideshow2/desktop/strato-leaves-hangar1-website.png)

(http://stratolaunch.com/images/slideshow/slideshow2/desktop/drone2-website.png)

Full Photo Gallery is here: http://stratolaunch.com/gallery.html (http://stratolaunch.com/gallery.html)

Greg / Daryl J / Uncle Les: Are you ready for a 1/48 scale build?






Title: Re: Stratolaunch Systems
Post by: GTX_Admin on June 02, 2017, 01:29:41 AM
Oh yeah!!!

Les will do a 1/32 version whilst Tophe will double it up...
Title: Re: Stratolaunch Systems
Post by: Kelmola on June 02, 2017, 04:08:37 AM
Suprised nobody has suggested extended wings yet ;)
Title: Re: Stratolaunch Systems
Post by: KiwiZac on June 02, 2017, 04:19:35 AM
Speaking of the wings: this thing already measures 385ft tip to tip...65ft more than the Hughes H-4! Once it lifts off that'll make Stratolaunch the biggest wingspan to ever fly.

I kinda like it!
Title: Re: Stratolaunch Systems
Post by: GTX_Admin on June 03, 2017, 02:32:13 AM
Interesting image:

(http://stratolaunch.com/images/slideshow/slideshow1/desktop/GallerySlide1.jpg)
Title: Re: Stratolaunch Systems
Post by: KiwiZac on June 09, 2017, 04:47:46 AM
1) What are those under the centresection?

b) The wings are crying out for extensions.
Title: Re: Stratolaunch Systems
Post by: Acree on June 09, 2017, 04:58:18 AM
Looks to me like Pegasus satellite launch systems
Title: Re: Stratolaunch Systems
Post by: finsrin on June 09, 2017, 09:48:11 AM
Be ideal in Navy blue carrying an air dropped-launched submarine.
Title: Re: Stratolaunch Systems
Post by: The Big Gimper on September 22, 2017, 07:39:54 AM
They are making progress.

You may have heard that this past weekend, we successfully ran all six Pratt & Whitney 4000-94 inch engines of the Stratolaunch aircraft – one at a time, multiple times. The team tested normal engine starts, along with a number of failure mode conditions to verify proper engine and airframe response.

If you were thinking, “These are 747 engines, what is the big deal?” No other airplane has flown with six 747 engines. This six engine configuration is capable of producing more thrust than any other airplane. While this full thrust capability has not yet been demonstrated, the engine testing will continue with increasing power levels. Ken Baker, Test Conductor, stated “Even at idle, it’s apparent how much power these engines have!”

We have been working with Stratolaunch for the past five years designing, building, and testing the world’s largest aircraft. Paul Allen’s mission for Stratolaunch is developing an air launch platform to make access to space more convenient, reliable, and routine.

“Follow-up testing this fall will exercise the unique avionics, hydraulics, electrical, and fuel systems,” said Joe Ruddy, Director of the Stratolaunch Project. “This will advance the aircraft one step closer to taxi testing – one of the final test series prior to flight.”

(https://scontent.fxds1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t31.0-8/21762309_10155007391545658_6858363193089237131_o.jpg?oh=345a4acaebf25ccb995448386928313c&oe=5A4FE7D3)

(https://scontent.fxds1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t31.0-8/21753058_10155007391565658_3978089895222991549_o.jpg?oh=3ac7e4094ecd412c8e1166b6d4bd462c&oe=5A426C70)

(https://scontent.fxds1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t31.0-8/21414726_10155007393110658_2265102436512346961_o.jpg?oh=c8355f7a539066c06283f94f18ef5251&oe=5A437CD8)

Title: Re: Stratolaunch Systems
Post by: The Big Gimper on March 08, 2018, 03:52:33 AM
Interesting. An artist’s concept from 2014 shows a mini-space shuttle (Sierra Nevada Dream Chaser) and its booster rocket attached to the underside of Stratolaunch’s giant airplane. (Sierra Nevada Corp. / Stratolaunch Illustration)

Story here: https://www.geekwire.com/2018/stratolaunch-revives-vision-launching-space-plane-monster-airplane/ (https://www.geekwire.com/2018/stratolaunch-revives-vision-launching-space-plane-monster-airplane/)

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DXtcVNhVQAAd-4n.jpg:large)

Alan Boyle @b0yle
@Stratolaunch talks about its vision of launching #BlackIce space plane on world's largest airplane @VulcanInc @PaulGAllen @wapodavenport
Title: Re: Stratolaunch Systems
Post by: The Big Gimper on May 02, 2018, 01:58:55 AM
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DcD8ZWrWsAINPlu.jpg:large)

Jean Floyd @WJeanFloyd (President and CEO, Stratolaunch)
Think BIG @Stratolaunch
Title: Re: Stratolaunch Systems
Post by: The Big Gimper on May 11, 2018, 11:42:02 PM
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Dc7R_9yUwAA9xGE.jpg:large)

Jean Floyd @WJeanFloyd
@Stratolaunch @MojaveAirport operations are coming on-line as we approach aircraft first flight this summer.  Launch vehicles will be integrated in our 88,000 sf low-bay and rolled directly under the aircraft for mating ops in the 103,256 sf T-hanger.
Title: Re: Stratolaunch Systems
Post by: kitnut617 on April 14, 2019, 12:39:03 AM
It flew today --- 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XfUy21HHtME (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XfUy21HHtME)
Title: Re: Stratolaunch Systems
Post by: The Big Gimper on April 14, 2019, 03:41:53 AM
Would have been a awesome sight in person. Here are some still photos via Twitter.

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/D4CduDYVUAIOe-m.jpg:large)

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/D4EJWf9WwAAvDGb.jpg:large)

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/D4CduDZUEAEUyfu.jpg:large)

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/D4Cfi3GVUAEd0m9.jpg:large)

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/D4DDJLdU4AAIXVB.jpg:large)

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/D4DDJLeUEAEkF6t.jpg:large)

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/D4DDJLeU8AAUKRh.jpg:large)

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/D4D4g57WwAEFlLT.jpg:large)
Title: Re: Stratolaunch Systems
Post by: kitnut617 on April 14, 2019, 06:16:06 AM
Nice photos Carl --- I think the second pic down it's actually landing (top pic no flaps, second pic full flap, third pic no flaps)   :-\
Title: Re: Stratolaunch Systems
Post by: Spey Phantom on April 14, 2019, 05:28:29 PM
i have never thought that thing would EVER get of the ground, that size  :icon_surprised:
its friggin huge  :o
Title: Re: Stratolaunch Systems
Post by: The Big Gimper on April 14, 2019, 10:32:28 PM
Here is a nice representation of an insignificant human.

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/D4FFn39UIAAXYGy.jpg:large)
Title: Re: Stratolaunch Systems
Post by: The Big Gimper on April 16, 2019, 05:19:41 AM
A nice 1 minute video from Scaled Composites. Includes air-2-air footage.

https://youtu.be/Ooo6SWatlW0
Title: Re: Stratolaunch Systems
Post by: finsrin on April 16, 2019, 08:15:29 AM
Greg is on waiting list for 1/48 kit.
1/72 is plenty for me.  Be USN carrying air dropped submarine for fast deployment scenarios.
Scaleorama from 1/144 to 1/72 is doable.
Title: Re: Stratolaunch Systems
Post by: Kerick on April 16, 2019, 09:36:09 AM
I think at 1/48th scale you would never park a car in the garage again! :o
Title: Re: Stratolaunch Systems
Post by: Old Wombat on April 16, 2019, 10:03:36 AM
Greg's actually ordered a 1/1 version to assist with stash dispersal operations. ;)
Title: Re: Stratolaunch Systems
Post by: GTX_Admin on April 17, 2019, 02:03:33 AM
In 1/48, a model of this would have a wingspan of 2.4m and a length of 1.5m so quite doable...
Title: Re: Stratolaunch Systems
Post by: elmayerle on April 18, 2019, 06:20:34 AM
1/72 is plenty for me.  Be USN carrying air dropped submarine for fast deployment scenarios.
Hmm, more like for quickly transporting a DSRV, or equivalent vehicle, and air-dropping it where needed.  I could see several scenarios where that would be a very useful ability.
Title: Re: Stratolaunch Systems
Post by: Kerick on April 18, 2019, 06:56:10 AM
In 1/48, a model of this would have a wingspan of 2.4m and a length of 1.5m so quite doable...

Just carve it out of 2x4s!
Title: Re: Stratolaunch Systems
Post by: Kerick on April 18, 2019, 01:54:12 PM
Looks like the stratolaunch arraignment has been thought of before. This idea used two B-52 fuselages.

(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/1/15/Virtus_dropping_orbiter.png)

Here's the full article.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Conroy_Virtus
Title: Re: Stratolaunch Systems
Post by: GTX_Admin on April 19, 2019, 02:24:12 AM
Hmmm...that deserves to be built...
Title: Re: Stratolaunch Systems
Post by: elmayerle on April 19, 2019, 02:46:52 AM
Hmmm...that deserves to be built...
Quite!! in 1/144 using Revell or Minicraft kits and in 1/72 using Monogram or ModelCollect kits; I think I'd go for 1/144 just on size requirements.
Title: Re: Stratolaunch Systems
Post by: Kerick on April 19, 2019, 03:11:18 AM
Wing appears to be a simple plank shape. Other shapes are not too complicated. Hmmmmm
I wonder how the space shuttle attaches to the wing with those doors on top.
Title: Re: Stratolaunch Systems
Post by: jcf on April 19, 2019, 03:31:50 AM
I wonder how the space shuttle attaches to the wing with those doors on top.

The yellow framework.
Title: Re: Stratolaunch Systems
Post by: The Big Gimper on October 12, 2019, 08:42:35 AM
Stratolaunch systems has been sold.

In the absence of other information, several factors suggest that Northrop Grumman may play a key role in the Stratolaunch transition. The company already has Scaled Composites as a subsidiary. It has long experience in air-launch systems by virtue of its acquisition of Orbital Sciences Corp. And according to Spaceflight Now, Northrop Grumman recently reacquired the Pegasus XL rockets it was assembling for Stratolaunch’s use.

Source: https://www.geekwire.com/2019/stratolaunch-air-launch-venture-says-sold-paul-allens-vulcan-new-owner/ (https://www.geekwire.com/2019/stratolaunch-air-launch-venture-says-sold-paul-allens-vulcan-new-owner/)
Title: Re: Stratolaunch Systems
Post by: The Big Gimper on December 19, 2019, 09:32:09 AM
Well, Northrop Grumman is not the new owner.  It is Cerberus Capital Management.

“Stratolaunch is developing an air-launch platform to contribute to high-speed research and development," a canned statement at the beginning of each current job offering says. “The goal of Stratolaunch is to use the air-launch platform for enabling technologies that may not exist otherwise."

Source: https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/31536/new-owner-of-stratolaunch-and-worlds-largest-plane-to-refocus-on-hypersonic-testing (https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/31536/new-owner-of-stratolaunch-and-worlds-largest-plane-to-refocus-on-hypersonic-testing)
Title: Re: Stratolaunch Systems
Post by: The Big Gimper on March 17, 2020, 10:33:51 PM
Twitter sez "the Roc will resume flying later this year! So excited to see this beast flying again."

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/ETUWHIDU4AATelw?format=jpg&name=large)
Title: Re: Stratolaunch Systems
Post by: kitnut617 on March 17, 2020, 10:37:11 PM
Cool !

But when are we getting a 1/72 kit of it ?   ;D
Title: Re: Stratolaunch Systems
Post by: jcf on March 18, 2020, 01:04:30 AM
Cool !

But when are we getting a 1/72 kit of it ?   ;D

A kit? A few pine planks and yer good to go.  ;D
Title: Re: Stratolaunch Systems
Post by: The Big Gimper on March 31, 2020, 02:26:12 AM
Stratolaunch reveals updated fleet, including two hypersonic aircraft and a re-usable space plane.

Talon-A. Aiming to have Talon A ready for commercial service by 2023: https://www.stratolaunch.com/vehicles/talon-a (https://www.stratolaunch.com/vehicles/talon-a)

(https://dlt1hdy7nkt32.cloudfront.net/default/_1536x1097_crop_center-center_75_line/TalonA-inFlight-06.jpg?mtime=20200324154008&focal=none)

(https://dlt1hdy7nkt32.cloudfront.net/default/_1536x1152_crop_center-center_75_line/TalonA-inFlight-05.jpg?mtime=20200324154226&focal=none)
Title: Re: Stratolaunch Systems
Post by: The Big Gimper on March 31, 2020, 02:27:58 AM
Talon Z.  Underdevelopment.

(https://dlt1hdy7nkt32.cloudfront.net/default/_1536x1097_crop_center-center_75_line/TalonZ-min-home.png?mtime=20200312165349&focal=none)
Title: Re: Stratolaunch Systems
Post by: The Big Gimper on March 31, 2020, 02:28:51 AM
Black Ice: Reusable Space Plane.

(https://dlt1hdy7nkt32.cloudfront.net/default/_1536x1097_crop_center-center_75_line/BlackIce-min-home.png?mtime=20200312165433&focal=none)

Title: Re: Stratolaunch Systems
Post by: Frank3k on March 31, 2020, 02:48:38 AM
Cool! Another fantasy vehicle! Lets see if this or Skylon gets off the ground before 2100...
Title: Re: Stratolaunch Systems
Post by: The Big Gimper on April 01, 2020, 06:49:20 PM
Probably.  New graphic.

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EUfb28zUMAUjnl9?format=jpg&name=4096x4096)
Title: Re: Stratolaunch Systems
Post by: kitnut617 on April 30, 2021, 04:33:07 AM
Just read on SPF that Stratolaunch was back in the air again today. The landing looked way better than the first one.
Title: Re: Stratolaunch Systems
Post by: GTX_Admin on May 01, 2021, 01:47:48 AM
Anyone else get the feeling that Stratolaunch people might be Luft 46 fans?

(https://i.redd.it/icr5qhljlv821.jpg)
Title: Re: Stratolaunch Systems
Post by: finsrin on May 01, 2021, 04:32:27 AM
Hello model companies;  Take note of picture above and think 1/72
Title: Re: Stratolaunch Systems
Post by: ChernayaAkula on May 01, 2021, 06:45:04 AM
Bill, I'm sure I've seen a build of that in 1/72 at some model show, so I guess someone must have done it.
Title: Re: Stratolaunch Systems
Post by: The Big Gimper on May 09, 2021, 07:10:05 AM
Video of STRATO-LAUNCH FLIGHT #2

Skipping to the 4 minute mark for the take-off. Then to 6 minutes for two practice approaches and then the landing.

https://youtu.be/1eGpU04XUzA?t=4
Title: Re: Stratolaunch Systems
Post by: kitnut617 on May 09, 2021, 08:53:50 PM
Looks like I'll have to plan a vacation around flight times ---  ;D
Title: Re: Stratolaunch Systems
Post by: The Big Gimper on May 26, 2023, 12:36:08 AM
Stratolaunch @Stratolaunch

NEWS: We're excited to officially announce that we're expanding our launch fleet with the acquisition of Virgin Orbit's modified Boeing 747.

Read more: https://buff.ly/3qbDha7

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Fw_G579XgAI00AV?format=jpg&name=medium)

A much cheaper way to test and validate technology and products vs the Roc.
Title: Re: Stratolaunch Systems
Post by: The Big Gimper on March 10, 2024, 10:36:03 AM
Stratolaunch Celebrates First Powered Flight of TA-1 Test Vehicle

MOJAVE, CA – MARCH 9, 2024 – Stratolaunch, LLC is pleased to announce it has successfully completed the first powered flight of the Talon-A test vehicle, TA-1. This first flight represents a major milestone in the development of the country's first privately funded, reusable hypersonic test capability.

...

“While I can’t share the specific altitude and speed TA-1 reached due to proprietary agreements with our customers, we are pleased to share that in addition to meeting all primary and customer objectives of the flight, we reached high supersonic speeds approaching Mach 5 and collected a great amount of data at an incredible value to our customers,” said Dr. Krevor.

Source: https://www.stratolaunch.com/news/stratolaunch-celebrates-first-powered-flight-of-ta1/ (https://www.stratolaunch.com/news/stratolaunch-celebrates-first-powered-flight-of-ta1/)

(https://cdn.geekwire.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/240309-talon-630x420.jpg)

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GIajqbJWwAALZjJ?format=jpg&name=large)

(https://cdn.geekwire.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/240309-strato5-630x422.jpg)

Title: Re: Stratolaunch Systems
Post by: Dr. YoKai on March 10, 2024, 11:36:58 PM
 Man, I love the Roc. I'm glad it is flying and performing the missions it was designed for.
Title: Re: Stratolaunch Systems
Post by: The Big Gimper on March 28, 2024, 05:54:30 AM
Via Twitter

Stratolaunch @Stratolaunch

TA-1 first flight complete ☑️ The dawn is now breaking on the era of reusability.
Debuting in this week’s edition of @AviationWeek, TA-2 the first fully recoverable hypersonic vehicle able to land on a runway and fly again.
Progress is speeding up, keep up with us!

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GJsfAOgWoAATTHr?format=jpg&name=4096x4096)

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GJsfA_wXYAAXfEY?format=jpg&name=4096x4096)

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GJsfBqVXUAAkP-9?format=jpg&name=4096x4096)