The world's biggest plane is a step closer to its first flight

The world's biggest plane is a step closer to its first flight

The world's biggest plane is a step closer to its first flight, after passing another major milestone.

Named Stratolaunch, the colossal aircraft travelled down the runway under its own power for the first time, firing all six of its Pratt and Whitney turbofan engines - each weighing 8,940lbs (4,000kg).

During the aircraft's first low-speed taxi test, Stratolaunch successfully travelled down the runway at 25 knots (28mph/45km/h).

Once testing has been completed, the aircraft - which has a wingspan longer than a football field - will be used to launch satellites and other objects into space.

This could include a Dream Chaser spaceship, which could act as a mini-shuttle to reach low Earth orbit destinations and return astronauts or payloads to a runway within 24 hours.

It is expected to take the skies for the first time in 2019.

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-5197563/First-taxi-test-Stratolaunch-aircraft-completed.html#ixzz5212n8dg7
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