Virgin Galactic to Use 747-400

摘要

Virgin Galactic is to use Boeing 747-400 G-VWOW (c 32745) Cosmic Girl, transferred from sister company Virgin Atlantic Airways, as a carrier aircraft for its LauncherOne orbital launch vehicle that will carry small satellites into space. LauncherOne will be mounted to the 747 under the left wing and be released at an altitude of approximately 35,000ft. The vehicle will fire its 73,500lbf (326kN) rocket engine called NewtonThree, which is powered by RP-1 fuel and liquid oxygen (LOX). After stage separation, the 5,000lbf-rated (22kN) LOX/RP-1 NewtonFour will carry the satellite payload into orbit. Virgin Galactic said there are several qualities that make the 747 ideal for the role: a large rocket-carrying capacity, suitability for operations in many kinds of weather, existing 747-400 experience in the Virgin Group, established maintenance and supply chains, and the ability to operate from any runway capable of handling 747s. Initial inspections on Cosmic Girl have already been completed and modifications for the role will be carried out following a scheduled check by MRO specialist VT San Antonio Aerospace.