Stratolaunch has completed two successful hypersonic test flights of its reusable Talon-A2 drone, marking what the company describes as a major advancement in autonomous flight systems and reusable hypersonic testing platforms.
In a statement released on June 2, Stratolaunch said, “Talon-A2 is bringing reusability to hypersonic flight test. With two hypersonic flights, we have demonstrated the growing capabilities of autonomous systems including separation and engine ignition, controlled acceleration through transonic range to the hypersonic regime, and programmed autonomous landing.”
The Talon-A2, a hypersonic uncrewed vehicle, is part of the Multi-Service Advanced Capability Hypersonic Testbed (MACH-TB) program.
The initiative aims to speed up U.S. hypersonic weapons development by leveraging commercial platforms.
The aircraft is powered by the Hadley rocket engine from Ursa Major, a liquid oxygen–kerosene engine with 5,000 pounds of thrust that supports multiple reuse cycles. The propulsion system uses an oxygen-rich staged combustion cycle, providing the thrust needed for Mach 5+ flight.
Talon-A2 is bringing reusability to hypersonic flight test. With two hypersonic flights, we have demonstrated the growing capabilities of autonomous systems including separation and engine ignition, controlled acceleration through transonic range to the hypersonic regime, and… pic.twitter.com/6wAWCueskB
— Stratolaunch (@Stratolaunch) June 2, 2025
According to Stratolaunch, both test flights—conducted in December 2024 and March 2025—achieved speeds exceeding Mach 5. Each mission began with the Talon-A2 being released over the Pacific Ocean from its carrier aircraft Stratolaunch Model 351, Roc, which features the largest wingspan in the world. After completing its flight, the drone returned to Vandenberg Space Force Base in California.
Stratolaunch says the Talon-A2 can carry up to 1,000 pounds of payload and is fully reusable. Compared to traditional expendable missile systems, the drone reportedly reduces data recovery time by up to 90 percent and cuts operational costs by 60 percent.
Originally founded in 2011 by Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen, Stratolaunch faced financial uncertainty following Allen’s death in 2018. In 2019, the company was acquired by Cerberus Capital Management, which shifted its focus from air-launched orbital rockets to hypersonic testing.
The Stratolaunch team credited its recent success to industry cooperation and technical dedication. “Thank you Stratolaunch team and partners for your strong support and dedication in advancing this imperative national defense initiative,” the company said in its release.
The two test flights represent the first U.S. demonstration of a reusable hypersonic aircraft since the X-15 program ended in 1968.