Scaled Composites Model 348

Scaled Composites Model 348
Kraju	Stany Zjednoczone Ameryki
Roli	Latający lotniskowiec kosmiczny
Pierwszy lot	21 grudnia 2008
Zbudowany	1

Tthe Kompozyty skalowane Model 348 White Knight Two (WK2) is a quadjet cargo aircraft that is used to lift the SpaceShipTwo spacecraft to release altitude. It was developed by Scaled Composites from 2007 to 2010 as the first stage of Tier 1b, a two-stage to suborbital-space manned launch system. WK2 is based on the successful mothership to SpaceShipOne, White Knight, which itself is based on Proteus. With an “open architecture” design and explicit plans for multi-purpose use, the aircraft could also operate as a zero-g aircraft for passenger training or microgravity science flights, handle missions in high-altitude testing more generally, or be used to launch payloads other than SpaceShipTwo. A study of use of the aircraft as a forest fire water bomber has also been mentioned, one that would utilize a large carbon composite water tank that could be quickly replenished to make repeat runs over fires.

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Scaled Composites Model 348 WhiteKnightTwo Walk Around
Photographer	Vladimir Yakubov
Localisation	Edwards Air Force Base Air Show
Photos	105

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General Characteristics and Role

The Scaled Composites Model 348, officially known as the WhiteKnightTwo (WK2), is a large, quadjet carrier aircraft developed by Scaled Composites for Virgin Galactic. It serves as the mothership for the SpaceShipTwo suborbital spaceplane. Its primary role is to lift the smaller spaceplane and its crew/passengers to an altitude of approximately 45,000 to 50,000 feet (15,240 m). At this altitude, the SpaceShipTwo is released to ignite its rocket motor and continue to the edge of space. The WK2 is notable for its twin-fuselage, twin-boom configuration and extensive use of lightweight carbon fiber composites. The first unit, named VMS Eve, was rolled out in 2008.

Property	Typical Value (Model 348 WK2)
Roli	Carrier/Mothership for Space Launch System
National Origin	Stany Zjednoczone
Producent	Scaled Composites / The Spaceship Company
First Flight	21 grudnia 2008
Załogi	2 (Flight Crew) + Launch Crew
Capacity (Payload)	17,000 kg (37,479 lb) to 50,000 ft
Długość	24 m (78 ft 9 in)
Rozpiętość	43 m (141 ft 1 in)
Konfiguracja	Twin-fuselage, high-wing, quadjet

Powerplant and Performance

Engine: 4 x Pratt & Whitney Canada PW308 turbofan engines.
Thrust (Each): Approximately 30.69 kN (6,900 lbf).
Service Ceiling: Designed to reach 70,000 ft (21,300 m).
Construction: Largely built from composite materials (carbon fiber) for strength and lightness.
Design Detail: One of the twin fuselages is an exact replica of the SpaceShipTwo cabin, intended for passenger familiarization and training flights.

Program and Versatility

Program: The WhiteKnightTwo/SpaceShipTwo combination forms the “Tier 1b” launch system for Virgin Galactic’s commercial suborbital space tourism venture.
Versatility (Open Architecture): The design features an “open architecture” that allows it to serve multiple roles beyond space tourism. These include launching other high-altitude payloads, conducting microgravity science flights, and performing zero-G passenger training maneuvers.
Predecessor: The design is a scaled-up successor to the White Knight (Model 318) carrier aircraft, which launched the record-breaking SpaceShipOne.
Naming: The first WhiteKnightTwo aircraft is named VMS Eve after Eve Branson, the mother of Virgin Group founder Richard Branson.