US firm unveils Mach 2+ airborne test platform for hypersonic vehicle development

Starfighters Space unveiled a reusable underwing test platform for its Mach 2+ F-104 fleet as part of its “Wind Tunnel in the Sky” program.

The system is built to carry multiple payload types and enable longer, high-speed flights for hypersonic, defense, aerospace, and microgravity testing.

The company says the airborne platform can provide more test time than traditional wind tunnels and better reflect real flight conditions.

The move could help developers gain faster access to scarce, tightly scheduled hypersonic testing facilities.