The key facts

  • Roc (wingspan 117 m, registration N351SL) performed two short flights near the Mojave Air and Space Port on October 2
  • Stratolaunch's air-launch fleet is being expanded with the Boeing 747-400 'Spirit of Mojave' and a Boeing 777-200ER
  • The Boeing 777 is expected to enter service in 2027; according to the company, it will increase flight testing capabilities by approximately 35%

Record-holder's flights

The Roc aircraft of Stratolaunch, which has the largest wingspan of any aircraft ever built — 117 meters — has again taken to the skies in California. The aircraft is registered under the number N351SL. According to the AirNav Radar service, on October 2 it performed two short flights near the Mojave Air and Space Port; during the second flight, Roc made several circles around the airport.

Purpose of the aircraft

Roc was not created as an ordinary cargo aircraft, but as an air-launch platform: it is meant to lift large experimental vehicles to a designated altitude and launch them from the air. It is also intended to carry other payloads.

Expanding the air-launch fleet

Stratolaunch is not limiting itself to using only Roc. The company has acquired a Boeing 747-400 formerly owned by Virgin Orbit, which received the name Spirit of Mojave. It has been converted to carry Talon experimental vehicles. Compared to Roc, the Boeing 747 can operate at a larger number of airports, which expands the possibilities of testing hypersonic vehicles in various locations.

Plans with the Boeing 777

In September, Stratolaunch announced the purchase of another large aircraft — a Boeing 777-200ER, which is also planned to be converted into an air-launch platform. Its use is expected from 2027. According to the company's estimate, adding this aircraft will increase flight testing capabilities by approximately 35%. At Stratolaunch, this is explained by growing demand for hypersonic technology testing.