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Stratolaunch Systems

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The Big Gimper:
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.)



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.



Sources:
Geekwire: Paul Allen’s Stratolaunch lifts veil on world’s biggest plane — a giant bet on a new way to space
Stratolaunch Systems: Vulcan Aerospace Home Page

The Big Gimper:
More images:

jcf:
Yep it's a cool project.

p.s. Carl, this subject can go in Ideas & Inspiration -> Aero-space.  ;)

GTX_Admin:
I wonder if they will use it for non-launching duties - e.g. outsize cargo lifts?

Alvis 3.1:
I would bet there would be some very interesting stress factors at work following payload drops.


Alvis 3.1

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