Scaled Composites Model 401

History of Scale Composite Model 401

Scale Composites, a subsidiary of Northrop Grumman, is developing a new experimental flight platform called the Type 401. At least two have been produced to date (2017). The aircraft is used for active in-flight data collection/research for an unnamed customer.

One of the specimens made its maiden flight over the Mojave on October 11, 2017.

The Model 401 design is powered by a Pratt & Whitney Canada JT15D-15D-5D turbofan engine producing 3,045 pounds of thrust, with the engine buried in the rear of the fuselage. The overall length of the fuselage itself is 38 feet, with a wingspan of 38 feet.

The product has a declared service limit of 30,000 feet, an empty weight of 4,000 pounds, and a maximum takeoff weight (MTOW) of 8,000 pounds.

The plane saw the only pilot sitting in front, behind a short nose cone, under a light framed canopy. The body includes an air intake mounted on the backside, just behind the hood. The empennage consisted of a "V-shaped" aircraft arrangement, where the aircraft doubled the rudder and stabilizers. The wing main aircraft is located amidships with an uninterrupted leading edge and a serrated trailing edge. The tip of the main plane is clipped.

The aircraft reaches the ground via a conventional retractable tricycle landing gear.

Specification

Basic

Production

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Dimensions

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Performance

Performance

Armor

Changes