Mojave-based Stratolaunch is planning to acquire Virgin Orbit’s modified Boeing 747 dubbed ‘Cosmic Girl’ and its related parts and equipment. This acquisition is expected to close by July 31, 2023, and was approved by the US Bankruptcy Court in charge of Virgin Orbit’s Chapter 11, which began earlier this year.
Zachary Krevor, President and Chief Executive Officer, Stratolaunch said: “The addition of this aircraft is a transformational milestone by expanded capabilities and flexibility. We will be able to increase both our flight test capacity and reach to become an even stronger partner to global customers.”
Following the closing of the acquisition, the B747 will undergo maintenance and modification to accommodate its new hypersonic test mission. Stratolaunch is looking to test hypersonic technology and expects to operate its first hypersonic flight in late summer 2023.
Stratolaunch currently has another aircraft called Roc with a wingspan of 385 feet and powered by six Boeing 747 engines, it is currently the world’s biggest aircraft and used to launch recoverable hypersonic vehicles that the aerospace industry will use for high-speed flight testing.
Post the successful test and the acquisition the aircraft’ Zachary Krevor added: “The need for hypersonic testing has never been greater, and we are committed to fulfilling this national imperative. We are making tremendous strides as we continue to enable the future of hypersonic testing. With the recent successful Talon-A separation test, we are excited to prepare for our first hypersonic flight of the TA-1 testbed.”
The Boeing 747-400 is a 21.67 years-old modified widebody powered by four GE CF6 jet engines which has been used by Virgin Orbit to launch rockets in the sky. Its last mission that took place in January was a failure. Post the second failed attempt the company decided to shut down the program.