Meet the Stratolaunch Roc. Originally developed as a mobile rocket launch platform, Stratolaunch now plans to use the Roc as a hypersonic vehicle test bed. Test vehicles are attached to the center wing, carried to altitude, then released.
What is the Stratolaunch Roc?
The world’s largest aircraft by wingspan, the Roc is 117 m (384 ft) from tip to tip. It’s six-engine, twin fuselage design features components from 747s, including the flight deck and engines. While there are two fuselages, only the right fuselage is occupied by pilots during flight.
The Roc can carry payloads of up to 226,000 kg (500,000 lbs) under its center wing, supporting a range of hypersonic vehicles.
Where does the Roc fly?
Stratolaunch’s Roc is based at Mojave Airport in California. The aircraft completed its third test flight on 16 January 2022—the first after being fitted with ADS-B.
How to track the Stratolaunch Roc
Since the Roc flies on an irregular schedule, the best thing to do is set a custom alert for the aircraft type SLCH or registration N351SL.
