The Scaled test team has successfully performed a low speed taxi test of the Stratolaunch aircraft. The world’s largest aircraft was seen moving down the runway under its own power for the first time. The test demonstrates the fundamental ability to control the aircraft speed and direction on the runway. Scaled Composites is a subsidiary of Northrop Grumman.

Scaled Composites is a specialty aerospace and composites development company offering design, build, and test capabilities.

What is it like to move the world’s largest aircraft? Joe Sweat, project pilot, commented, “It was a lot less intimidating once we had it out there, in terms of how much runway we take up. From a visual standpoint, we had a lot more room than I was anticipating. Getting the airplane moving under its own power was really interesting – just seeing and feeling how the nose wheel steering reacts and how the brakes respond to the inputs.”

“Later taxi testing will include faster speeds and more challenging steering and braking tasks, all in preparation for first flight. It was exciting to see this magnificent machine on the runway for the first time!” said Brandon Wood, test conductor.

Founded by Burt Rutan in 1982 and located in Mojave, CA, Scaled has averaged one first flight of a unique, new airplane per year. (SV)