Scale Composites, a subsidiary of Northrop Grumman, is working on a new experimental flying platform designated as the "Model 401". At least two are known to have been produced to date (2017). The aircraft are intended for active in-flight data-collecting / research for an unnamed customer. A first-flight of one of the examples was recorded on October 11th, 2017 over Mojave.
The Model 401 design is driven by a single Pratt & Whitney Canada JT15D-15D-5D turbofan engine developing 3,045 lb of thrust and the powerplant is buried within the aft section of the fuselage. The fuselage itself has an overall length of 38 feet with a wingspan of 38 feet. The product's listed service ceiling reaches 30,000 feet and empty weight is 4,000lb against a Maximum Take-Off Weight (MTOW) of 8,000lb.
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The aircraft sees the sole pilot seated at front, aft of a short nosecone, under a lightly-framed canopy. The fuselage incorporates a dorsal-mounted intake, this just aft of the canopy. The tail unit consists of a "V-style" plane arrangement, the planes doubling rudders and stabilizers. The wing mainplanes are seated at midships and have uninterrupted leading edges with a saw-tooth-style trailing edge. The mainplanes are clipped at their tips. The aircraft accomplishes ground running through a conventional, retractable tricycle undercarriage.
(OPERATORS list includes past, present, and future operators when applicable)
✓X-Plane (Developmental, Prototype, Technology Demonstrator)
Aircraft developed for the role of prototyping, technology demonstration, or research / data collection.
Length
38.0 ft (11.58 m)
Width/Span
38.0 ft (11.58 m)
Empty Wgt
4,001 lb (1,815 kg)
MTOW
8,003 lb (3,630 kg)
Wgt Diff
+4,001 lb (+1,815 kg)
(Showcased structural values pertain to the base Scaled Composites Model 401 production variant)
Installed:
1 x Pratt & Whitney Canada JT15D-15D-5D turbofan engine developing 3,045 lb of thrust.
Model 401 - Base Series Designation; two aircraft being completed.
Ribbon graphics not necessarily indicative of actual historical campaign ribbons. Ribbons are clickable to their respective aerial campaigns / operations / aviation periods.
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Official image from Scaled Composites marketing material.
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