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The world's largest plane with six Boeing 747 engines
The world’s largest airplane, longer than a football field, has completed its third flight from Mojave Air and Space Port in California in January. The Stratolaunch is designed to transport hypersonic vehicles and facilitate easy access to space. Here's all you need to know about the world's biggest airplane. Built by Stratolaunch The plane named 'Roc' has a wingspan of 117 metres and is powered by 6 Boeing 747 engines. Founded by Paul Allen Stratolaunch, the aerospace firm was founded by the late Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen. Stratolaunch's Roc carrier plane Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen established Stratolaunch in 2011 with the idea that Roc would be used to launch satellites in mid-air. Carry and launch supersonic vehicles The Stratolaunch plane being groomed to carry and launch supersonic vehicles high up in the sky. Carry up to 550,000 pounds The Stratolaunch plane, powered by six huge Pratt & Whitney turbofan engines, the aircraft is intended to carry 88
up to 550,000 pounds to an altitude of 35,000 feet. Concept aircraft Stratolaunch was designed by Mojave, California-based Scaled Composites, which specialises in concept aircraft. Roc carrier plane Stratolaunch plane will be able to launch rockets from a high altitude, presenting an alternative to conventional ground launches. Stratolaunch plane speed During its latest test flight, the aircraft flew for more than four hours, reached an altitude of 7160m and an indicative airspeed of 180 knots. Changing role After the death of Allen in October 2018, The company was sold in October 2019 to its current owners, who recast Roc's role. Initial goals of launching satellites With initial goals of building an aircraft for launching satellites mid-air, the company’s new owners, shifted the immediate vision for the behemoth plane to be a launch platform for hypersonic vehicles that travel five times faster than the speed of sound.
