Stratolaunch is building the world’s most ambitious reusable hypersonic testbed — and when they needed a custom fuel measurement system, they turned to LMS. At the center of this mission is Talon-A: a Mach 5+ test vehicle deployed mid-air from Roc, one of the largest aircraft ever built.
The Challenge: No Templates, No Precedents
Stratolaunch required highly customized fuel monitoring solutions for two platforms:
- The Roc carrier aircraft — a six-engine, dual-fuselage giant with six fuel tanks.
- The Talon-A hypersonic vehicle — requiring measurement during fueling and periodic checks for system integrity, such as leak detection.
Off-the-shelf systems wouldn’t cut it. This was experimental aviation, and precision was non-negotiable.
The LMS Solution: Two Platforms, One Custom Architecture
LMS delivered:
- A multi-tank fuel measurement system for Roc, spanning its full fuselage footprint
- A specialized Talon-A probe, with connectivity to Roc’s SCU for real-time monitoring while mated to the pylon
The system does not gauge after Talon-A is released from Roc. The SCU for Talon-A is mounted in the pylon and only the probe resides within the vehicle. Upon release, the harness between the SCU and probe is severed and no further data is available.
LMS’s solutions performed reliably at high altitudes and extreme flight profiles, helping Stratolaunch push forward with reusable test cycles and additional aircraft.
What’s Next for Stratolaunch and LMS?
A recent follow-on purchase order confirms continued Talon-A production — and signals growing momentum. LMS stands ready to support future Stratolaunch platforms like Talon-B, which may require more complex onboard fuel management systems.
Why It Matters
Experimental doesn’t mean impossible. LMS’s success with Stratolaunch proves that aerospace pioneers don’t need to compromise on fuel system performance — even on one-of-a-kind vehicles.
Key Takeaways
- LMS supports experimental and high-speed platforms with custom-engineered systems
- Integrated solutions across carrier + testbed aircraft streamline performance and data
- Reusability and reliability start with accurate measurement
