Founded in 1982 by Burt Rutan, Scaled has broad experience in air vehicle design, tooling and manufacturing, specialty composite structure design, analysis and fabrication, and developmental flight tests of air and space vehicles.
Founder, 
Model 97 is a two-place, side-by-side airplane of the 300 lb empty weight class. It has a slightly swept-back canard forward and swept back wings with winglets at the tips.
A subscale version of an eleven-place, twin turboprop, high-performance business aircraft developed for Beech Aircraft Corporation.
The Model 133-4.62 ATTT proof-of-concept demonstrator is a 62% scaled version of an airplane designed to challenging STOL and long range requirements.
The all-composite Triumph, an 8,500 lb, pressurized 8-place business aircraft, was designed around the brand-new, never flown, Williams FJ-44 turbofan engine.
Scaled did the structural design, tooling, fabrication, and static testing of an 85 ft span and a 108 ft span rigid sail/airfoil for the America’s Cup Challenge Race.
The ARES, Scaled Model 151, was designed initially in response to a U.S. Army request for a Low Cost Battlefield Attack Aircraft (LCBAA).
The Advanced Engineering Staff of General Motors designed a technology demonstration vehicle called the Ultralite, an automobile with interior room capable of seating four full size adults, and with excellent visibility, handling, performance, emissions and fuel consumption.
The Raptor Demonstrator high-altitude, long endurance, unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) program was conducted under a contract from Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory to Scaled Composites, LLC.
In early 1993, Jim Rice and Tom Stark of the fledgling VisionAire Corporation visited Scaled with conceptual designs for a new single-engine business jet.
Walled Lake, Michigan, June 23, 1997 -- Williams International today announced that its all-composite, turbofan- powered "V-JET II" light aircraft is on schedule for its July 31 fly-in and follow-on demonstration flights and exhibition at the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) convention at Oshkosh, July 30 to August 5, 1997.
Proteus is a twin-turbofan, high-altitude, multi-mission aircraft powered by Williams International FJ44-2E engines.
The Model 309 is a proof-of-concept aircraft built for Adam Aircraft Industries.
The GlobalFlyer is a single seat, turbofan powered airplane designed to fly around the world nonstop, unrefueled, with a solo pilot.
SpaceShipOne, the first private manned spacecraft, is a three-place, high-altitude research rocket.
White Knight is a three-place, high-altitude, flexible and capable research aircraft.
The Model 326 aircraft (or Pegasus X-47A) is an unmanned aerial vehicle built for Northrop Grumman.
SpaceShipTwo will be powered by a unique hybrid rocket motor, which is currently under development.
WhiteKnightTwo, or Eve, is the mothership and launch platform for SpaceShipTwo.
White Knight Flight Tests
The following list includes summaries of the flight test activity of the White Knight research aircraft. The White Knight is equipped with the same system components as SpaceShipOne (cabin, ECS, pneumatic, avionics, trim servos, electrical, backup air data, test data, video & TM). Thus, the flight test program of the White Knight includes many tests that focus on SpaceShipOne systems qualification and maturity. Flight crews include program pilots Doug Shane, Mike Melvill, Brian Binnie and Pete Siebold, Cory Bird (White Knight project engineer) and Rick Aldrich (crew chief). This list will be updated monthly.
Objectives:
Avionics checkout flight, pilot proficiency and landing practice.
Objectives:
Avionics checkout flight, pilot proficiency and landing practice.
Objectives:
Flight 15P rehearsal, avionics checkout, pilot proficiency and landing practice.
Objectives:
Flight 14P rehearsal, avionics checkout, pilot proficiency and landing practice.
Objectives:
Flight 14P rehearsal, avionics checkout, pilot proficiency and landing practice.
Objectives:
Avionics checkout flight, pilot proficiency and landing practice.
Objectives:
SpaceShipOne Flight 13P launch rehearsal, avionics checkout and landing practice
Objectives:
Avionics software evaluation, launch release rehearsal and landing pattern practice.
Objectives:
SpaceShipOne flight 12G launch release rehearsal and avionics software evaluation
Objectives:
SpaceShipOne flight 12G launch release rehearsal and avionics software evaluation
Objectives:
Pilot proficiency, new software build checkout and landing practice
Objectives:
Pilot proficiency, new software build checkout and landing practice
Objectives:
Pilot proficiency, new software build checkout and landing practice
Objectives:
Avionics upgrade evaluation and landing pattern practice.
Results:
Satisfactory GPS-aided INS stability and position keeping through a normal launch and glide flight profile.
Objectives:
Avionics upgrade evaluation
Results:
Satisfactory GPS-aided INS stability and position keeping through a normal launch and glide flight profile.
Objectives:
SpaceShipOne approach and landing profile review
Results:
Evaluated a variety of different profiles to assess ease of set-up, forgiveness to off normal starts and pilot situation awareness during the approach.
Objectives:
SpaceShipOne approach and landing profile review
Results:
Evaluated a variety of different profiles to assess ease of set-up, forgiveness to off normal starts and pilot SA during the approach.
Objectives:
SpaceShipOne approach and landing profile review
Results:
Evaluated a variety of different profiles to assess ease of set-up, forgiveness to off normal starts and pilot SA during the approach.
Objectives:
Pilot proficiency. First flight for SpaceShipOne crew chief.
Results:
Made several practice SpaceshipOne approaches using various configurations and runways. Good exposure for SS1 crewchief Steve Losey on cockpit workload / crew coordination / cabin environment and human factors for Tier-1 mission.
Objectives:
Pilot proficiency. First flight for SpaceShipOne lead engineer.
Results:
Made several simulated captive carry low sink rate landings as well as practice SpaceshipOne approaches to various runways. Good exposure for Matt Stinemetze on cockpit workload / crew coordination / cabin environment and human factors for Tier-1 mission
Objectives:
First glide flight profile rehearsal / two ship checklist flow / airspace coordination / Command and Control responsibilities and handoffs. First flight for Burt in the White Knight.
Results:
Exercised all current checklists and SpaceShipOne first flight test cards. Simulated emergencies handled successfully. Good exposure for Burt on cockpit workload / crew coordination / cabin environment and human factors for Tier-1 mission. Flew eleven practice SpaceShipOne approaches from above high key, three with simulated failed avionics and some with other emergencies and runway changes. All were successful.
Objectives:
First glide flight profile rehearsal / two ship checklist flow / airspace coordination / Command and Control responsibilities and handoffs.
Results:
Good exercise of all involved parties and agencies including the Edwards air Force Base, Joshua Control and Scaled Composites, Utility Mobile ground station.
Objectives:
Engine performance at altitude. New pilot masks and ECS airflow routing. Regulated bleed air control of the aft cabin temperature (to test the capability to heat SpaceShipOne's nitrous oxidizer. Appraisal of new traffic alert system. Results: Engines showed much improved performance up to 50,000 feet. ECS changes confirmed to assure clear windows for landing. Successful bleed air heating test: good control and sufficient energy for SS1 propellant heating.
Objectives:
Airshow for the 'friends and family' unveiling
Results: Good show for 1000+ guests. Broadcast media included CNN, ABC, PBS, Tech TV, Discovery & National Geographic TV.
Objectives:
Formal media rollout
Results:
Good show for the VIP/media audience
Objectives:
Repeat airshow maneuver practice
Results:
Minor tweaks to refine the airshow demonstration maneuvers.
Objectives:
Airshow maneuver practice. First flight with Spaceship launch system installed.
Results:
Satisfactory airshow results for various wind conditions. Launch system satisfactory.
Objectives:
Revised ECS configuration evaluation. Multiple SFO (simulated flame out) approaches to assess updated flight director steering cues.
Results:
New ECS configuration results encouraging. Engines returned to depot facility for second overhaul repair.
Objectives:
Evaluate performance of updated engines. Measure effect of new canted wingtips. Test new landing gear doors and upgraded INS hardware.
Results:
New and different engine irregularities at highest altitudes. Further mods are needed for adequate ECS humidity control. Canted wingtips solved the dihedral effect problem. No flying qualities issues remain.
Objectives:
Continued engine, ECS and avionics evaluation. Simulated wheel brake failure landing rollout.
Results:
Conclusion: aircraft can be landed at MHV if a wheel brake fails. More engine irregularities at high altitude. Engines removed and sent to test cell for fuel control calibration and adjustments.
Objectives:
Continued engine, ECS and avionics evaluation. High-rate nose wheel steering assessment.
Results:
Difficulty maintaining afterburner on left engine near 50,000 feet. Improved ECS configuration showed improved resistance to fogging. Nose wheel steering gearing change about the same.
Objectives:
FAA-monitored flight for pilot "Type Rating".
Results:
Rating issued
Objectives:
FAA-monitored flight for pilot "Type Rating".
Results:
Rating issued
Objectives:
FAA-monitored flight for pilot "Type Rating".
Results:
Rating issued
Objectives:
FAA-monitored flight for pilot "Type Rating".
Results:
Rating issued
Objectives:
SpaceshipOne boost profile and steering capture practice. Simulated SS1 glide approaches.
Results:
SS1 simulation good up to at least ~ 70 degree flight path angle.
Objectives:
Boost phase pilot training. Formation flying and air-to-air photography with the Proteus aircraft.
Results:
Adequate visibility and satisfactory flying qualities for formation flying. A photo from this flight later appeared on the cover of Aviation Week (21Apr03 issue).
Objectives:
Envelope expansion above 50,000 feet and 0.55M. Avionics software upgrade. Practice SpaceShipOne glide approaches
Results:
Climbed to 53,000 feet and 0.53M in Military power. Cleared the full required envelope needed for SpaceShipOne launch operations. Flying qualities at highest altitude are satisfactory and will not require dampers. Window fogging not an issue until the cabin was depressurized at 10,000 feet.
Objectives:
Completion of Flight 6 objectives. Airspeed and altitude envelope expansion, 45,000 feet / 160 knots / 0.5M
Results:
No structural damping issues found. Engine operation satisfactory. Some window fogging on descent. Some degradation of pneumatic actuators due to cold soaking. Insufficient dihedral effect at high speed/high altitude.
Objectives:
Evaluate rudder mass balance modifications. Effectiveness of engine bleed air heating of the fuselage aft of the cabin (first test of SpaceShipOne Nitrous heating system).
Results:
Rudder vibration problem resolved. Flight cut short due to suspected over-temp of aft cabin bulkhead from engine bleed air.
Objectives:
New pilot qual eval. Envelope expansion out to 45,000 feet and 160 knots / 0.5M. Practice SpaceShipOne glide approaches. Effectiveness of new tail vortex generators and clipped outboard speed brakes.
Results:
The new VGs eliminated the high-altitude rudder dead-band. Encountered undamped rudder vibration at 25,000 feet and 160 knots during flutter envelope expansion. Engine flameout at 45,000 feet. Un-safe main gear indication for landing (a microswitch adjustment). Clipped otbd speed brake showed no change.
Objectives:
New pilot qual eval. Envelope expansion out to 35,000 feet and 150 knots / 0.4M and 3 G's. Engine relight performance. Avionics software upgrade.
Results:
Experienced a rudder dead-band (poor centering) at the higher altitudes. Dihedral effect is neutral at higher speeds. Window fogging on descent. Numerous flight director attitude display resets.
Objectives:
New pilot qual eval. Envelope expansion out to 25,000 feet and 150 knots. First flight with the cabin pressurized for environmental control system tests.
Results:
Satisfactory handling and performance. Buffet barriers determined for inboard and outboard speed brakes. Significant window fogging experienced after cold soak at altitude.
Objectives:
First flight test card repeat. Flying qualities assessment and basic performance evaluation. Avionics and pneumatic systems evaluation. Cabin un-pressurized.
Results:
Envelope expansion to 15,000 feet and 140 knots. Overall satisfactory stability, good control harmony and impressive performance. Heavy airframe buffet at high speeds with both sets of speed brakes deployed. "Best airplane the company has ever built"
Objectives:
First flight. Handling qualities assessment and basic performance evaluation. Systems evaluation. Cabin un-pressurized.
Results:
Un-commanded hammering auxiliary spoiler deployments after takeoff. Flight aborted to downwind for an uneventful landing. No apparent flying qualities issues noted. Auxiliary spoilers were disabled for future flights.
| Flight | 59 |
| Date: | 14 June 04 |
| Flight Time: | 1.0 |
| White Knight Pilot: | Siebold |
| White Knight Copilot: | Melvill |
Objectives:
Avionics checkout flight, pilot proficiency and landing practice.
| Flight | 58 |
| Date: | 14 June 04 |
| Flight Time: | 0.7 |
| White Knight Pilot: | Melvill |
| White Knight Copilot: | Siebold |
Objectives:
Avionics checkout flight, pilot proficiency and landing practice.
| Flight | 57 |
| Date: | 14 June 04 |
| Flight Time: | 1.7 |
| White Knight Pilot: | Binnie |
| White Knight Copilot: | Stinemetz |
Objectives:
Flight 15P rehearsal, avionics checkout, pilot proficiency and landing practice.
| Flight | 55 |
| Date: | 6 May 04 |
| Flight Time: | 0.4 |
| White Knight Pilot: | Melvill |
| White Knight Copilot: | Aldrich |
Objectives:
Flight 14P rehearsal, avionics checkout, pilot proficiency and landing practice.
| Flight | 54 |
| Date: | 6 May 04 |
| Flight Time: | 1.6 |
| White Knight Pilot: | Binnie |
| White Knight Copilot: | Stinemetz |
Objectives:
Flight 14P rehearsal, avionics checkout, pilot proficiency and landing practice.
| Flight | 52 |
| Date: | 5 Apr 04 |
| Flight Time: | 2.0 |
| White Knight Pilot: | Siebold |
| White Knight Copilot: | Karkow |
Objectives:
Avionics checkout flight, pilot proficiency and landing practice.
| Flight | 51 |
| Date: | 31 Mar 04 |
| Flight Time: | 2.0 |
| White Knight Pilot: | Binnie |
| White Knight Copilot: | Melvill |
Objectives:
SpaceShipOne Flight 13P launch rehearsal, avionics checkout and landing practice
| Flight | 50 |
| Date: | 30 Mar 04 |
| Flight Time: | 2.0 |
| White Knight Pilot: | Melvill |
| White Knight Copilot: | Binnie |
Objectives:
Avionics software evaluation, launch release rehearsal and landing pattern practice.
| Flight | 48 |
| Date: | 8 Mar 04 |
| Flight Time: | 1.4 Hours |
| White Knight Pilot: | Binnie |
| White Knight Popilot: | Stinemetz |
Objectives:
SpaceShipOne flight 12G launch release rehearsal and avionics software evaluation
| Flight | 47 |
| Date: | 4 Mar 04 |
| Flight Time: | 1.3 Hours |
| White Knight Pilot: | Binnie |
| White Knight Copilot: | Bird |
Objectives:
SpaceShipOne flight 12G launch release rehearsal and avionics software evaluation
| Flight | 46 |
| Date: | 18 Feb 04 |
| Flight Time: | 0.7 Hours |
| White Knight Pilot: | Binnie |
| White Knight Copilot: | Melvill |
Objectives:
Pilot proficiency, new software build checkout and landing practice
| Flight | 45 |
| Date: | 18 Feb 04 |
| Flight Time: | 1.6 Hours |
| White Knight Pilot: | Siebold |
| White Knight Copilot: | Binnie |
Objectives:
Pilot proficiency, new software build checkout and landing practice
| Flight | 44 |
| Date: | 18 Feb 04 |
| Flight Time: | 1.7 Hours |
| White Knight Pilot: | Melvill |
| White Knight Copilot: | Binnie |
Objectives:
Pilot proficiency, new software build checkout and landing practice
| Flight | 39 |
| Date: | 5-Nov-03 |
| Flight Time: | 1.5 hours |
| White Knight Pilot: | Siebold |
| White Knight Copilot: | Binnie |
Objectives:
Avionics upgrade evaluation and landing pattern practice.
Results:
Satisfactory GPS-aided INS stability and position keeping through a normal launch and glide flight profile.
| Flight | 36 |
| Date: | 22-Sep-03 |
| Flight Time: | 1.7 hours |
| White Knight Pilot: | Binnie |
| White Knight Copilot: | Stinemetz |
Objectives:
Avionics upgrade evaluation
Results:
Satisfactory GPS-aided INS stability and position keeping through a normal launch and glide flight profile.
| Flight | 35 |
| Date: | 19-Sep-03 |
| Flight Time: | 2.1 hours |
| White Knight Pilot: | Siebold |
| White Knight Copilot: | Binnie |
| White Knight Flt Engineer: | Nichols |
Objectives:
SpaceShipOne approach and landing profile review
Results:
Evaluated a variety of different profiles to assess ease of set-up, forgiveness to off normal starts and pilot situation awareness during the approach.
| Flight | 34 |
| Date: | 18-Sep-03 |
| Flight Time: | 2.7 hours |
| White Knight Pilot: | Binnie |
| White Knight Copilot: | Melvill |
| White Knight Flt Engineer: | Alsbury |
Objectives:
SpaceShipOne approach and landing profile review
Results:
Evaluated a variety of different profiles to assess ease of set-up, forgiveness to off normal starts and pilot SA during the approach.
| Flight | 33 |
| Date: | 11-Sep-03 |
| Flight Time: | 2.7 hours |
| White Knight Pilot: | Melvill |
| White Knight Copilot: | Binnie |
| White Knight Flt Engineer: | Tighe |
Objectives:
SpaceShipOne approach and landing profile review
Results:
Evaluated a variety of different profiles to assess ease of set-up, forgiveness to off normal starts and pilot SA during the approach.
| Flight | 28 |
| Date: | 11-Jul-03 |
| Flight Time: | 0.5 hours |
| Pilot: | Siebold |
| Copilot: | Binnie |
| Flight Engineer: | Losey |
Objectives:
Pilot proficiency. First flight for SpaceShipOne crew chief.
Results:
Made several practice SpaceshipOne approaches using various configurations and runways. Good exposure for SS1 crewchief Steve Losey on cockpit workload / crew coordination / cabin environment and human factors for Tier-1 mission.
| Flight | 27 |
| Date: | -Jul-03 |
| Flight Time: | 0.7 hours |
| Pilot: | Binnie |
| Copilot: | Siebold |
| Flight Engineer: | Stinemetze |
Objectives:
Pilot proficiency. First flight for SpaceShipOne lead engineer.
Results:
Made several simulated captive carry low sink rate landings as well as practice SpaceshipOne approaches to various runways. Good exposure for Matt Stinemetze on cockpit workload / crew coordination / cabin environment and human factors for Tier-1 mission
| Flight | 26 |
| Date: | 11-Jul-03 |
| Flight Time: | 2.0 hours |
| Pilot: | Melvill |
| Copilot: | Binnie |
| Flight Engineer: | Rutan |
Objectives:
First glide flight profile rehearsal / two ship checklist flow / airspace coordination / Command and Control responsibilities and handoffs. First flight for Burt in the White Knight.
Results:
Exercised all current checklists and SpaceShipOne first flight test cards. Simulated emergencies handled successfully. Good exposure for Burt on cockpit workload / crew coordination / cabin environment and human factors for Tier-1 mission. Flew eleven practice SpaceShipOne approaches from above high key, three with simulated failed avionics and some with other emergencies and runway changes. All were successful.
| Flight | 25 |
| Date: | 3-Jul-03 |
| Flight Time: | 2.2 hours |
| Pilot: | Binnie |
| Copilot: | Siebold |
Objectives:
First glide flight profile rehearsal / two ship checklist flow / airspace coordination / Command and Control responsibilities and handoffs.
Results:
Good exercise of all involved parties and agencies including the Edwards air Force Base, Joshua Control and Scaled Composites, Utility Mobile ground station.
| Flight | 23 |
| Date: | 2-May-03 |
| Flight Time: | 2.3 hours |
| Pilot: | Melvill |
| Copilot: | Rick Aldrich |
Objectives:
Engine performance at altitude. New pilot masks and ECS airflow routing. Regulated bleed air control of the aft cabin temperature (to test the capability to heat SpaceShipOne's nitrous oxidizer. Appraisal of new traffic alert system. Results: Engines showed much improved performance up to 50,000 feet. ECS changes confirmed to assure clear windows for landing. Successful bleed air heating test: good control and sufficient energy for SS1 propellant heating.
| Flight | 22 |
| Date: | 26-Apr-03 |
| Flight Time: | 0.3 hours |
| Pilot: | Melvill |
| Copilot: | Binnie |
Objectives:
Airshow for the 'friends and family' unveiling
Results: Good show for 1000+ guests. Broadcast media included CNN, ABC, PBS, Tech TV, Discovery & National Geographic TV.
| Flight | 21 |
| Date: | 18-Apr-03 |
| Flight Time: | 0.2 hours |
| Pilot: | Melvill |
| Copilot: | Binnie |
Objectives:
Formal media rollout
Results:
Good show for the VIP/media audience
| Flight | 20 |
| Date: | 15-Apr-03 |
| Flight Time: | 0.7 hours |
| Pilot: | Melvill |
| Copilot: | Binnie |
Objectives:
Repeat airshow maneuver practice
Results:
Minor tweaks to refine the airshow demonstration maneuvers.
| Flight | 19 |
| Date: | 15-Apr-03 |
| Flight Time: | 1.2 hours |
| Pilot: | Melvill |
| Copilot: | Binnie |
Objectives:
Airshow maneuver practice. First flight with Spaceship launch system installed.
Results:
Satisfactory airshow results for various wind conditions. Launch system satisfactory.
| Flight | 18 |
| Date: | 7-Mar-03 |
| Flight Time: | 3.3 hours |
| Pilot: | Melvill |
| Copilot: | Cory Bird |
Objectives:
Revised ECS configuration evaluation. Multiple SFO (simulated flame out) approaches to assess updated flight director steering cues.
Results:
New ECS configuration results encouraging. Engines returned to depot facility for second overhaul repair.
| Flight | 17 |
| Date: | 24-Feb-03 |
| Flight Time: | 2.8 hours |
| Pilot: | Binnie |
| Copilot: | Melvill |
Objectives:
Evaluate performance of updated engines. Measure effect of new canted wingtips. Test new landing gear doors and upgraded INS hardware.
Results:
New and different engine irregularities at highest altitudes. Further mods are needed for adequate ECS humidity control. Canted wingtips solved the dihedral effect problem. No flying qualities issues remain.
| Flight | 16 |
| Date: | 12-Nov-02 |
| Flight Time: | 2.0 hours |
| Pilot: | Binnie |
| Copilot: | Siebold |
Objectives:
Continued engine, ECS and avionics evaluation. Simulated wheel brake failure landing rollout.
Results:
Conclusion: aircraft can be landed at MHV if a wheel brake fails. More engine irregularities at high altitude. Engines removed and sent to test cell for fuel control calibration and adjustments.
| Flight | 15 |
| Date: | 6-Nov-03 |
| Flight Time: | 2.4 hours |
| Pilot: | Siebold |
| Copilot: | Binnie |
Objectives:
Continued engine, ECS and avionics evaluation. High-rate nose wheel steering assessment.
Results:
Difficulty maintaining afterburner on left engine near 50,000 feet. Improved ECS configuration showed improved resistance to fogging. Nose wheel steering gearing change about the same.
| Flight | 14 |
| Date: | 24-Oct-02 |
| Flight Time: | 0.3 hours |
| Pilot: | Siebold |
| Copilot: | Shane |
Objectives:
FAA-monitored flight for pilot "Type Rating".
Results:
Rating issued
| Flight | 13 |
| Date: | 24-Oct-02 |
| Flight Time: | 0.3 hours |
| Pilot: | Binnie |
| Copilot: | Siebold |
Objectives:
FAA-monitored flight for pilot "Type Rating".
Results:
Rating issued
| Flight | 12 |
| Date: | 24-Oct-02 |
| Flight Time: | 0.3 hours |
| Pilot: | Melvill |
| Copilot: | Shane |
Objectives:
FAA-monitored flight for pilot "Type Rating".
Results:
Rating issued
| Flight | 11 |
| Date: | 24-Oct-02 |
| Flight Time: | 0.3 hours |
| Pilot: | Shane |
| Copilot: | Melvill |
Objectives:
FAA-monitored flight for pilot "Type Rating".
Results:
Rating issued
| Flight | 10 |
| Date: | 17-Oct-02 |
| Flight Time: | 1.1 hours |
| Pilot: | Siebold |
| Copilot: | Binnie |
Objectives:
SpaceshipOne boost profile and steering capture practice. Simulated SS1 glide approaches.
Results:
SS1 simulation good up to at least ~ 70 degree flight path angle.
| Flight | 9 |
| Date: | 17-Oct-02 |
| Flight Time: | 2.2 hours |
| Pilot: | Binnie |
| Copilot: | Siebold |
Objectives:
Boost phase pilot training. Formation flying and air-to-air photography with the Proteus aircraft.
Results:
Adequate visibility and satisfactory flying qualities for formation flying. A photo from this flight later appeared on the cover of Aviation Week (21Apr03 issue).
| Flight | 8 |
| Date: | -Oct-02 |
| Flight Time: | 1.6 hours |
| Pilot: | Melvill |
| Copilot: | Binnie |
Objectives:
Envelope expansion above 50,000 feet and 0.55M. Avionics software upgrade. Practice SpaceShipOne glide approaches
Results:
Climbed to 53,000 feet and 0.53M in Military power. Cleared the full required envelope needed for SpaceShipOne launch operations. Flying qualities at highest altitude are satisfactory and will not require dampers. Window fogging not an issue until the cabin was depressurized at 10,000 feet.
| Flight | 7 |
| Date: | 10-Oct-02 |
| Flight Time: | 3.0 hours |
| Pilot: | Shane |
| Copilot: | Binnie |
Objectives:
Completion of Flight 6 objectives. Airspeed and altitude envelope expansion, 45,000 feet / 160 knots / 0.5M
Results:
No structural damping issues found. Engine operation satisfactory. Some window fogging on descent. Some degradation of pneumatic actuators due to cold soaking. Insufficient dihedral effect at high speed/high altitude.
| Flight | 6 |
| Date: | 09-Oct-02 |
| Flight Time: | 0.9 hours |
| Pilot: | Shane |
| Copilot: | Binnie |
Objectives:
Evaluate rudder mass balance modifications. Effectiveness of engine bleed air heating of the fuselage aft of the cabin (first test of SpaceShipOne Nitrous heating system).
Results:
Rudder vibration problem resolved. Flight cut short due to suspected over-temp of aft cabin bulkhead from engine bleed air.
| Flight | 5 |
| Date: | 06-Sep-02 |
| Flight Time: | 2.0 hours |
| Pilot: | Binnie |
| Copilot: | Shane |
Objectives:
New pilot qual eval. Envelope expansion out to 45,000 feet and 160 knots / 0.5M. Practice SpaceShipOne glide approaches. Effectiveness of new tail vortex generators and clipped outboard speed brakes.
Results:
The new VGs eliminated the high-altitude rudder dead-band. Encountered undamped rudder vibration at 25,000 feet and 160 knots during flutter envelope expansion. Engine flameout at 45,000 feet. Un-safe main gear indication for landing (a microswitch adjustment). Clipped otbd speed brake showed no change.
| Flight 4 | |
| Date: | 27-Aug-02 |
| Flight Time: | 2.5 hours |
| Pilot: | Siebold |
| Copilot: | Shane |
Objectives:
New pilot qual eval. Envelope expansion out to 35,000 feet and 150 knots / 0.4M and 3 G's. Engine relight performance. Avionics software upgrade.
Results:
Experienced a rudder dead-band (poor centering) at the higher altitudes. Dihedral effect is neutral at higher speeds. Window fogging on descent. Numerous flight director attitude display resets.
| Flight | 3 |
| Date: | 19-Aug-02 |
| Flight Time: | 2.8 hours |
| Pilot: | Melvill |
| Copilot: | Shane |
Objectives:
New pilot qual eval. Envelope expansion out to 25,000 feet and 150 knots. First flight with the cabin pressurized for environmental control system tests.
Results:
Satisfactory handling and performance. Buffet barriers determined for inboard and outboard speed brakes. Significant window fogging experienced after cold soak at altitude.
| Flight | 2 |
| Date: | 05-Aug-02 |
| Flight Time: | 1.5 hours |
| Pilot: | Shane |
| Copilot: | Siebold |
Objectives:
First flight test card repeat. Flying qualities assessment and basic performance evaluation. Avionics and pneumatic systems evaluation. Cabin un-pressurized.
Results:
Envelope expansion to 15,000 feet and 140 knots. Overall satisfactory stability, good control harmony and impressive performance. Heavy airframe buffet at high speeds with both sets of speed brakes deployed. "Best airplane the company has ever built"
| Flight | 1 |
| Date: | 01-Aug-02 |
| Flight Time: | 0.2 hours |
| Pilot: | Shane |
| Copilot: | Siebold |
Objectives:
First flight. Handling qualities assessment and basic performance evaluation. Systems evaluation. Cabin un-pressurized.
Results:
Un-commanded hammering auxiliary spoiler deployments after takeoff. Flight aborted to downwind for an uneventful landing. No apparent flying qualities issues noted. Auxiliary spoilers were disabled for future flights.
Pilot Bios
Press Releases
- Unveiling of the Tier One Program
- X-Prize Press Release
- The SpaceShip Company
- More Press Releases ...