Roc carrier aircraft
A giant twin-fuselage aircraft, first flown in 2019 for space launch, now used as a flying launch pad for Talon-A hypersonic test vehicles.
Why it matters
Launching from the air lets hypersonic tests fly from different locations and avoid fixed launch sites. Roc is one of several carriers Stratolaunch uses to keep Talon-A flying often.
How the technology works
Roc carries a Talon-A between its two fuselages, climbs to release altitude and drops it. Talon-A then lights its engine and flies its test while Roc returns to base.
Stratolaunch also flies Talon-A from a Boeing 747-400 called Spirit of Mojave.
Sources
Updated Oct 21, 2026 · How we source facts · Suggest a correction