Carrier Aircraft
Mobile, Multi-Vehicle Launch Platform
Meet the world’s largest plane, a revolutionary launchpad for hypersonic and aerospace vehicles.
Making Hypersonic Testing More Routine
The Stratolaunch Carrier is designed to eliminate technical and logistical barriers that the hypersonics market faces today.
01 — Flexibility
Choose Your Launch Date
When it comes to choosing your launch dates, the sky is just about the limit. With Stratolaunch, you launch on your timeline and your terms. If you don’t want to reserve the full capacity, you can “rideshare” with another payload. Thanks to our maneuverable high-speed vehicles, a single mission can serve multiple customers.
02 — Reliability
Avoid Delays
Fixed-range launches are just that… fixed. With a mobile launch platform, you can avoid delays. Unlike traditional ground launches, the Stratolaunch aircraft can take off from dozens of U.S. runways. Our air-launch system allows us to avoid hazards like bad weather and conflicting fixed-range launch schedules (which often result in costly delays or cancellations). Rain or shine, Stratolaunch gets your payload launched on time.
03 — Convenience
Ready When You Are
With 12 or more missions per year, we’re ready to launch when you are. While fixed-range launches are typically scheduled years in advance, Stratolaunch can have your payload tested in months — meaning booking space for your payload is just about as easy as booking a seat on a flight. Running late? We can accept your payload mere days ahead of launch.
A Revolutionary Aircraft.
Our innovative twin fuselage carrier aircraft was engineered to enable deployments of a range of launch vehicle shapes and weights.
Design
The innovative dual-fuselage and high-wing design allow launch vehicles to release from the aircraft centerline and below the wing for a much safer deployment.
Engines
Six Boeing 747 engines allow for a payload capacity of over 500,000 lbs (226,796 kg).
Center Wing
The reinforced center wing provides lift, stability and pylons that can support multiple launch vehicles weighing over 500,000 lbs (226,796 kg), providing access to any inclination for multiple payloads.
Wingspan
The wingspan is the largest of any plane ever assembled, stretching longer than an American football field, including the endzones.
Facts + Figures
1.3M Pounds
Max Takeoff Weight
With a max load capacity of 1.3 million pounds, the Carrier’s carbon fiber reinforced center wing can support up to 500,000 pounds.
28
Wheels
To support its weight, the Carrier is equipped with 28 wheels to evenly distribute the load. By comparison, Boeing’s 747 has 18 wheels.
385 Feet
Total Wingspan
The Carrier is the world’s largest plane. From tip to tip, its wingspan is over three times the length of the Wright Brothers' first flight.
50 Feet
Standing Tall
The Carrier is 50 feet tall from the ground to the top of its vertical tail. So tall, a humpback whale would have trouble seeing over it.
6
Massive Engines
Thanks to six 747 engines, the Carrier has plenty of power. It can travel more than 1,000 nautical miles and reach altitudes up to 35,000 feet.
103,256 Sq. Ft.
The Hangar
Featuring the world’s widest garage door, our hangar is so big the county had to issue special construction permits for the plane’s scaffolding.
The World's Largest Plane
Due to its huge wingspan and innovative design, the Carrier Aircraft is capable of launching multiple hypersonic and aerospace vehicles in a single mission.
Carrier Flight Path
The Carrier Aircraft takes off with one or more launch vehicles in tow. Upon reaching altitude, the launch vehicles are released and the Carrier returns to base to prepare for its next mission.
