The test programme for the Scaled Composites designed WhiteKnight Two (WK2), developed to be Virgin Galactic's SpaceShip Two carrier aircraft, has now completed its third flight.

The longest and fastest flight to date with a duration of over 2h 30min, the speed reached was 140kt (259km/h) and a maximum altitude of over 18,000ft (5,490m).

The flight saw seven completed tests including in flight engine restarts, engine thrust asymmetry assessment and continued expansion of WK2's operating envelope and evaluation of its handling qualities

Virgin Mothership Eve 25 March flight
©Virgin Galactic

Above: Virgin Galactic's WhiteKnight Two prototype Virgin MotherShip Eve flies on 25 March

Source: FlightGlobal.com