There's a new biggest-plane-in-the-world.

The Stratolaunch has a 385-foot wingspan, is 238 feet long, weighs 500,000 lbs, has 28 wheels, and has a maximum takeoff weight of 1.3 million lbs.

Attachment 60755

It will be used to launch rockets into low-earth orbit.

Stratolaunch Systems Corporation is owned by Microsoft founder Paul Allen.

Link

I wonder how wide a runway that needs?

good question. if the wingspan is 385 feet, a solid third of that is between the fuselages, so, 260 feet track width say. plus however much shoulder they think is prudent.

I'm guessing it's designed to land and take off from ONE airfield, over and over. the airfield next to the railroad spur that's bringing the 800,000 pound rocket.

I'd assume fairly long, as well.



ETA:

From their websiteA quick GoogleEarth search tells us that one of the MA&SP's runways is ~2.5 miles long, and something like 233, or so, feet wide.

From their websiteA quick GoogleEarth search tells us that one of the MA&SP's runways is ~2.5 miles long, and something like 233, or so, feet wide.

Meanwhile, 20 miles away, is Edwards AFB.

With their ~18,000+ feet x ~300 feet runway with a dry lake for run-off

The Stratolaunch is supposed to carry a rocket to launch altitude. If they put a little extra fuel in the rocket and ignite it on the ground for a 30 second burn, that Stratolaunch will take off like a STOL aircraft. They'll just have to add some drogue chutes for the return landing.

I went through desert survival training in the Mojave at Edwards. The course the Air Force runs there is primarily for pilots and astronauts; but, they squeezed us SFers in when business was slow. Nice showroom dedicated to experimental aircraft and test pilots that flew there. Interesting experience.

There was an airshow in PA near Harrisburg, apparently. I got to watch an F4U Corsair going through it's routine right above me. Pretty cool.

I recognized the plane by the sound of the engine. Am I a nerd for that? :)

Yes, a plane old nerd. :lol:

Wee Willie's demise...

Man, I hate when that happens. That could ruin your day if ya let it.

Reminds me of this amazing pilot's skills.

^P.S. That's a fake video^

Whoops... The F-104 pilot and XB-70 co-pilot died. The XB-70 pilot survived but was really fucked up.