How we test gear. We will certainly keep an eye out for future missions with Son of Ares flying in conjunction with Proteus, as well. Air intake is aft of the cockpit, two narrow S-duct inlets preventing radar waves from reaching the engine fan blades. “first flight of a new experimental aircraft. With both demonstrators hard at work, maybe we will find out more about them in the not so distant future. Founded to develop experimental aircraft, the company now focuses on designing and developing concept craft and prototype fabrication processes for aircraft and other vehicles. It has that decidedly "Browning 50 calibre" look of the somewhat smaller supersonic Bell X-1 and swept wings, not necessary for Mach 0.6. Although some of the performance specifications are revealed, no customer is identified and only a vague detail of its purpose is given: "To demonstrate advanced, low-cost manufacturing techniques and to provide aircraft for research flight services to industry partners and the United States government.". The remainder of the fine details are the subject of speculation. In fact, that is the story of their namesake, Ares, which started life as a gun-toting very light battlefield interdiction demonstrator and went on to work in many developmental roles, including acting as an unmanned aircraft surrogate and more. The Model 401 prototypes have an identical outer design with a 38-ft (11.6 m) wingspan and identical performance characteristics. Details of the first flight are sketchy, though Scaled posted a video on Facebook showing the takeoff of Vehicle Number 1. Lightweight construction allows for an empty weight of 4,000 lb (1,814 kg) and a takeoff weight of 8,000 lb (3,628 kg).

Watch Scaled Composites' Stealthy New Test Aircraft Takeoff For The First Time. According to Hans, on June 9th, 2020, the following occurred: "I noticed on ADSB-Exchange that the Northrop/Rutan Proteus was flying an irregular pattern out over Lake Isabella. The Proteus and at least one 401 recovered to Mojave Air and Space Port - not sure if both did.".

Over 280,000 people receive our email newsletter. The Model 401, with its stealthy design traits and small tactical jet overall concept, likely evolved from a similar spirit as ARES, and its intended applications are clearly battlefield related. This content is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page to help users provide their email addresses. Once again, these are just a couple of possibilities. The result was a bizarre but amazingly innovative little flying machine. They could be part of the test, as well. The exact purpose of the exotic little jet and its twin remains a mystery. BrightScope is not endorsed by or affiliated with FINRA. Exclusive Photos: Lockheed Skunk Works' X-44A Flying Wing Drone Breaks Cover.

Two of the aircraft have been constructed. I don't think there are any photos of any of these planes together in formation. The War Zone has kept maybe the closest eye on this intriguing program and we have been able to discover some information about the aircraft and its unique lineage, but an overall idea of the program and its objectives remains a question mark. But instead of packing a big cannon, it could very well aim to test directed energy weapons or advanced sensors that could enjoy synergistic effects by being mounted on a medium altitude, medium endurance low observable platform. Unmasking The S-92 Mystery Helicopter In Syria Which Was Spotted Again Near Raqqa. See the stories that matter in your inbox every morning. Some sort of loitering reconnaissance platform and light attack role has also been floated. Maybe that is exactly what testers are working on with Proteus, the Model 401 demonstrators, and the other players that have been so active in the area over the last two weeks. But what's most exciting is the images unmask the program's cryptic nickname and hint at what its mission might be. The mystery aircraft, developed by Northrop Grumman subsidiary Scaled Composites, flew over the Mojave Desert in the southwestern US and was escorted by NASA F-15D fighter jet. Scaled Composites, which built SpaceShipOne and Stratolaunch, has a new project. Although not 'very low observable' in nature, the design has well-established low-observable features that definitely reduce its radar and infrared signature. The engine used is a single Pratt & Whitney Canada JT15D-5D powerplant, producing 3,045 lb (1,381 kg) of thrust. Exclusive Images Unmask Name Of Scaled Composites' Mysterious Model 401 'Son Of Ares' Jet. Last we wrote about the Model 401, it was headed to NAS Patuxent River for some sort of trials. The images were taken on June 13th, a few days after our initial report on the testing, and they offer new insights and prompt new questions as to what the twin stealthy experimental jets and their high-flying Proteus cousin have been up to. So, with all this in mind, Hans's comment about a possible loyal wingman test isn't without its merits. Exclusive Images Unmask Name Of Scaled Composites' Mysterious Model 401 'Son Of Ares' Jet The stealthy design appears to draw its lineage from the ARES close air … Scaled Composites' Stealthy Mystery Jet Is Now At The Navy's Top Flight Test Base. The DoD said they would evaluate the aircraft if Rutan built it, so he did.

Check out more of his shots on Instagram @west.coast.aviation. The EA-18G could test the sensor's resistance to electronic attack while trying to spot the stealthy targets.
After leaving the TTR area they headed west to Edwards AFB. Sparks Fly as a C-17 Lands with Nose Wheels Up. Proteus, which hit is 1,000th flight back in 2017, is one of kind, with no other examples of the test platform ever being built. Your use of this service is subject to ourTerms of UseandPrivacy Policy. The Scaled Composites 401 is an American experimental aircraft, designed and produced by Scaled Composites of Mojave Spaceport, Mojave, California. We may have finally discovered who likely owns the helicopter, but who is using it and exactly for what remains a mystery.