In the United States withdrew from the hangar is the largest aircraft in the world
MOSCOW, 1 Jul — RIA Novosti. In the Mojave desert of California for the first time left the hangar the world’s largest transport aircraft, capable of launching boosters. It is reported by the company Stratolaunch involved in the development of the aircraft.
The wingspan of the aircraft is 117 meters long and weighs 230 tons. The ship, reaching a height of 15 meters, equipped with landing gear with 28 wheels. Technical characteristics of the aircraft allow it to carry a payload of up to 250 tons.
The plane Stratolaunch are planning to use as an aerial platform for launching rockets, Pegasus XL. They will deliver cargo to low earth orbit. In the first stage, the liner will carry one missile, but in the future their number may increase to three.
According to General Manager of the company Gina Floyd, in the near future will be held in the Mojave ground tests of the aircraft and the first demonstration launch is planned for 2019.
Stratolaunch was established in 2011, Paul Allen, one of the founders of Microsoft.