Scaled Composites 216132 223571465 2008-07-04T17:52:58Z Sardanaphalus 427947 updating link using [[Project:AutoWikiBrowser|AWB]] {{Infobox Company | company_name = Scaled Composites, LLC | company_logo = [[Image:Scaledcomposites.png|150px]] | company_type = [[Division (business)|Division]] | company_slogan = "Question, never defend" | foundation = [[Mojave, California]] ([[1982]]) | key_people = [[Doug Shane]] President <br>[[Burt Rutan]] Founder/CTO | location = [[Poway, California]] | num_employees = over 200 | industry = Aerospace | products = Air vehicle design, tooling, and manufacturing, specialty composite structure design, analysis and fabrication and developmental flight test | revenue = $20-30 million <!--[[United States Dollar|USD]] xxx million ([[2005]])--> | parent = [[Northrop Grumman]] | homepage = [http://www.scaled.com/ scaled.com] }} '''Scaled Composites''' (often abbreviated as '''Scaled'''), formerly the '''Rutan Aircraft Factory''', is a company currently owned by [[Northrop Grumman]] that is located at the [[Mojave Spaceport]], [[Mojave, California]], [[United States]] and is headed by aircraft designer [[Burt Rutan]]. Prior to acquisition by Northrop Grumman, the company was founded to develop experimental [[aircraft]], but now focuses on designing and developing concept craft and [[prototype]] fabrication processes for aircraft and other vehicles. It is known for interesting designs, for its use of non-metal, [[composite material]]s, and for winning the [[Ansari X Prize]] with its experimental spacecraft [[Scaled Composites SpaceShipOne|SpaceShipOne]]. ==Company history== Scaled Composites was established in [[1982]] and purchased by the [[Beechcraft|Beech Aircraft Corporation]] in 1985, as a result of the collaboration on the [[Beechcraft Starship|Starship]] project. In 1988, Beech's parent company, Raytheon, sold Scaled back to Rutan, who then sold it to [[Wyman-Gordon]]. After Wyman-Gordon was acquired by [[Castparts]], Inc., Rutan and ten investors re-acquired the company as Scaled Composites, LLC. [[Northrop Grumman]], a major shareholder in the company with a 40% stake, said it would acquire the company outright on [[July 20]], [[2007]]. Both companies said Northrop Grumman's acquisition would not affect Scaled Composites' strategy or involve replacing Burt Rutan as senior manager.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.shephard.co.uk/UVOnline/Default.aspx?Action=-187126550&ID=561258e2-3206-499e-95b6-61d601fc24a3Rutan's |title=MP-RTIP: Rutan To Get First Crack At Flight Test |accessdate=2006-12-07 |last= |first= |authorlink= |coauthors= |date= |year= |month= |format= |work=UVOnline.com |publisher=Shephard Group |pages= |language= |archiveurl= |archivedate= |quote= }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.forbes.com/feeds/ap/2007/07/20/ap3937696.html | title = Northrop to Own SpaceShipOne Builder | author = [[Associated Press]] | publisher = [[Forbes]] | date = [[July 20]], [[2007]] | accessdate = 2007-07-27 }}</ref> The acquisition by [[Northrop Grumman]] was completed on August 24, [[2007]].<ref>{{cite web | url=http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/070824/laf051.html | title = Northrop Grumman Completes Acquisition of Scaled Composites, LLC | accessdate = 2007-08-25 }}</ref> ===SpaceShipOne=== {{main|Scaled Composites SpaceShipOne}} The company made a splash in April [[2003]] when it revealed that it was working on a privately funded [[spacecraft]], in an attempt to win the [[Ansari X PRIZE]] for the first private, manned spaceflight. This experimental rocket powered spacecraft was given the name [[Scaled Composites SpaceShipOne|SpaceShipOne]]. On [[17 December]] [[2003]], they announced SpaceShipOne's first [[supersonic]] flight, the first flight of its kind by a privately funded aircraft. SpaceShipOne successfully made this flight, reaching 68000 feet and 930mph ([[Mach number|Mach]] 1.2). The craft was brought aloft by the [[White Knight (airplane)|White Knight]] carrier aircraft. On the same day, [[Paul Allen]], one of the founders of [[Microsoft]], confirmed publicly the rumors that he was the [[angel investor]] behind the SpaceShipOne venture. On [[April 1]], [[2004]], the [[U.S. Department of Transportation]] issued the company what it called the world's first license for a sub-orbital manned rocket flight. The license was approved by the [[Federal Aviation Administration]]'s [[Office of Commercial Space Transportation]], which has backed licenses for more than 150 commercial launches of unmanned launch vehicles in its 20 years, but never a license for manned flight on a sub-orbital trajectory. The [[Mojave Airport]], operating part-time as [[Mojave Spaceport]], is the launch point for SpaceShipOne. SpaceShipOne performed the first privately funded human spaceflight on [[June 21]], [[2004]]. [[SpaceShipOne flight 16P|Flight 16P]] on [[29 September]] [[2004]] and [[SpaceShipOne flight 17P|Flight 17P]] on [[4 October]] [[2004]] won the X-Prize for Scaled Composites and SpaceShipOne. ===Other famous vehicles=== Before forming Scaled Composites, Burt Rutan designed several aircraft for home builders, including the famous [[Rutan VariEze]], often considered one of general aviation's most innovative designs. He also designed the [[Beechcraft Starship]], although without commercial success in production. These aircraft are innovative because of their [[Canard (aeronautics)|canard]], [[winglet]]s and [[pusher]] propeller configuration. Before SpaceShipOne, Rutan was best known for his [[Rutan Voyager|Voyager]] aircraft, which his brother, [[Dick Rutan]], and [[Jeana Yeager]] flew around the world without refueling, in [[1986]]. In 2005, the similar [[Virgin Atlantic GlobalFlyer|Global Flyer]] was flown by billionaire adventurer [[Steve Fossett]] on the first solo non-stop, non-refueled flight around the world, and later in the longest flight in history: 41,467.53 km (26,389 miles). Although their role was not widely publicized, Rutan and Roncz helped design and Scaled manufactured the double slotted wing mast for the [[1988 America's Cup|1988]] [[Stars & Stripes (yacht)|''Stars & Stripes'']] [[catamaran]] for [[Dennis Conner]]'s entry of that year in the [[America's Cup]] [[yacht]] race. === Rocket test accident === {{wikinews|Blast kills three at Mojave Spaceport, California}} On [[July 26]], [[2007]], an explosion occurred during a cold flow test of a [[nitrous oxide]] injector at a Scaled Composites test stand at [[Mojave Spaceport]] in [[Mojave, California]], killing three and critically injuring three others.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.kget.com/news/local/story.aspx?content_id=cf560cfe-9ee7-4496-83dd-e2ba667d9362 | title = Third person dies in Mojave Airport explosion, names released | date = [[July 27]], [[2007]] | publisher = [[KGET]] | accessdate = 2007-07-27 }}</ref> All of those injured or killed worked for Scaled Composites. The nitrous oxide was under pressure, but at ambient temperature and the test had been safely conducted during the development of [[SpaceShipOne]] and once before for [[SpaceShipTwo]]. [[Burt Rutan]], who heads the company, had no immediate explanation for the explosion. He had spoken to [[Richard Branson|Sir Richard Branson]] of [[Virgin Galactic]], but no mention was made of what was discussed or if it will impact Virgin's plans to use Scaled Composites rockets for its space tourism program. [[Northrop Grumman]], who has recently agreed to increase their ownership stake in the company to 100% also had no comment.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.space-travel.com/reports/Rocket_Explosion_Kills_Two_At_Mojave_In_California_999.html | title = Rocket Explosion Kills Two At Mojave In California | date = [[July 26]], [[2007]] | publisher = Space-Travel.com | accessdate = 2007-07-27 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.knbc.com/news/13765031/detail.html | title = Large Explosion at Calif. Airport Kills 2 | date = [[July 26]], [[2007]] | publisher = [[KNBC]] | accessdate = 2007-07-27 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.pe.com/ap_news/California/CA_Airport_Explosion_299022C.shtml | title = Blast kills 2, injures 4 at spaceship firm's Mojave airport site | date = [[July 26]], [[2007]] | first = Alicia | last = Chang | publisher = [[The Press-Enterprise (California)|The Press-Enterprise]] | accessdate = 2007-07-27 }}</ref> According to the main Scaled Composites web site ([[27 July]] [[2007]]) the three fatalities were Eric Blackwell, 38, Glen May, 45, and Todd Ivens, 33. On [[July 27]] [[2007]] [[California Occupational Safety and Health Administration|Cal/OSHA]] arrived, sealed the site and began their investigation. As of [[31 July]] [[2007]], the three who were injured remain hospitalized: Keith Fritsinger and Gene Gisin remain in critical condition but show improvement. Jason Kramb is no longer in serious condition and has shown good spirits. On August 25th, Rutan stated that the explosion has put the propulsion research on hold, but other areas of research, such as the [[WK2]], continue.<ref>[http://www.personalspaceflight.info/2007/08/25/rutan-no-explanation-yet-for-explosion/ Personal Spaceflight » Rutan: no explanation yet for explosion<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> ==Aircraft projects== ===Rutan Aircraft Factory aircraft=== [[Image:NOAA-Long-EZ.jpg|thumb|right|Rutan Model 61 Long-EZ]] * [[Rutan VariViggen|Model 27 Variviggen]] ([[1972 in aviation|1972]]) * [[Rutan VariEze|Model 31 VariEze]] ([[1975 in aviation|1975]]) * [[Rutan VariViggen|Model 32 Variviggen SP]] ([[1973 in aviation|1973]]) * [[Rutan VariEze|Model 33 VariEze]] ([[1976 in aviation|1976]]) * [[NASA AD-1|Model 35 AD-1]] ([[1979 in aviation|1979]]) * [[Rutan Defiant|Model 40/74 Defiant]] ([[1978 in aviation|1978]]) * [[Rutan Quickie|Model 54 Quickie]] ([[1978 in aviation|1978]]) * [[Rutan Long-EZ|Model 61 Long-EZ]] ([[1979 in aviation|1979]]) * [[AMSOIL Racer|Model 68 AMSOIL Racer]] ([[1981 in aviation|1981]]) * [[Fairchild Republic T-46|Model 73 NGT]]: Three-fifths scale model of [[Fairchild]] [[Fairchild Republic T-46|T-46]] trainer ([[1981 in aviation|1981]]) * [[Rutan Voyager|Model 76 Voyager]]: First aircraft to [[circumnavigation|circumnavigate]] the Earth non-stop ([[1986 in aviation|1986]]) * [[Rutan Solitaire|Model 77 Solitaire]] ([[1982 in aviation|1982]]) === Scaled Composites aircraft === [[Image:Voyager aircraft.jpg|thumb|right|Model 76 Voyager]] [[Image:NASA-2000Starship.jpg|thumb|right|Beechcraft 2000 Starship, based upon the Model 115]] <!-- Deleted image removed: [[Image:Scaled 395-L.jpg|thumb|Scaled Composites Model 395 [[Unmanned Combat Air Vehicle|UCAV]]]] --> * [[Beechcraft Starship|Model 115 Starship]]: 85% scale prototype, went into production as the [[Beechcraft]] Model 2000 Starship ([[1982 in aviation|1982]]) * [[Scaled Composites Lotus|Model 97 Microlight]]: 2-place [[Pusher configuration|pusher]] canard ultralight([[1983 in aviation|1983]]) * [[Scaled Composites Predator|Model 120 Predator]]: Agricultural aircraft for Advanced Technology Aircraft Corp. ([[1984 in aviation|1984]]) * [[B-2 Spirit]]: Scale model pole-mounted B-2 for [[radar cross section]] tests * [[Scaled Composites Grizzly|Model 80 Grizzly]] ([[1986 in aviation|1986]]) * [[Scaled Composites ATTT|Model 133 ATTT]] ([[1987 in aviation|1987]]) * [[Scaled Composites CM-44|Model 144 CM-44]]: [[Unmanned aerial vehicle|UAV]] developed for California Microwave, now [[Northrop Grumman]] ([[1987 in aviation|1987]]) * [[Scaled Composites Catbird|Model 81 Catbird]] ([[1988 in aviation|1988]]) * [[Scaled Composites Triumph|Model 143 Triumph]]: Built for Beechcraft ([[1988 in aviation|1988]]) * [[IAI Searcher]]: longer-winged version of Pioneer UAV ([[1988 in aviation|1988]]) * [[BQM-145 Peregrine|Model TRA324 Scarab]]: Developed for Teledyne Ryan, now Northrop Grumman ([[1988 in aviation|1988]]) * [[Loral TFV|Model 173 Loral TFV]]: Towed decoy ([[1989 in aviation|1989]]) * [[PLADS Rockbox|Model 179 Lockheed PLADS Rockbox]]: 8-man parachute delivery vehicle ([[1989 in aviation|1989]]) * [[DC-X]]: Constructed the structural aeroshell and control surfaces under contract to McDonnell Douglas * [[Scaled Composites ARES|Model 151 ARES]] ([[1990 in aviation|1990]]) * [[Orbital Sciences]] [[Pegasus rocket]]: Wings, fins for air launch rocket ([[1990 in aviation|1990]]) * [[Scaled Composites Pond Racer|Model 158 Pond Racer]]: Built for [[air race]]r [[Bob Pond]] ([[1990 in aviation|1990]]) * [[Scaled Composites Model 191|Model 191]]: Single-engine general aviation aircraft ([[1991 in aviation|1991]]) * [[Earthwinds]]: Pressurized gondola for round-the-world balloon attempt ([[1991 in aviation|1991]]) * [[Scaled Composites Raptor|Model 226 Raptor]]: Raptor D-1 and D-2 for DOE ([[1993 in aviation|1993]]) * [[Bell Eagle Eye]]: Tilt-rotor demonstrator aircraft for Bell Helicopter (1993) * [[Freewing|Model 233 Freewing]]: STOL RPV ([[1994 in aviation|1994]]) * [[Space Industries Comet]]: Unmanned reentry capsule ([[1995 in aviation|1995]]) * [[Kistler Zero]]: Two stage demonstration rocket. Project cancelled in [[1995 in aviation|1995]] * [[Scaled Composites Boomerang|Model 202 Boomerang]] ([[1996 in aviation|1996]]) * [[EV-20 Vantage Jet|Model 247 Vantage]]: Developed for [[VisionAire]] ([[1996 in aviation|1996]]) * [[Williams V-Jet II|Model 271 V-Jet II]]: Developed for [[Williams International]] ([[1997 in aviation|1997]]) * [[Motel 6 DLS|Model 257 Motel 6 DLS]]: pressurized spherical gondola for around-the-world balloon ([[1998 in aviation|1998]]) * [[X-38|Model 276 NASA X-38]]: fuselage of drop test vehicle ([[1998 in aviation|1998]]) * [[Scaled Composites Proteus|Model 281 Proteus]] ([[1998 in aviation|1998]]) * [[Rotary Rocket|Roton ATV]] ([[1999 in aviation|1999]]) * [[NASA ERAST|Model 287 NASA ERAST]]: R/C model for proof of concept of 85,000 ft UAV * [[Adam M-309|Model 309 Adam M-309]]: Prototype for the [[Adam A500]] ([[2000 in aviation|2000]]) * [[X-47 Pegasus|Model 326 Northrop Grumman X-47A]] ([[2001 in aviation|2001]]) * [[Toyota TA-1|Model 302 Toyota TAA-1]] ([[2002 in aviation|2002]]) * [[Tier One]] ([[2003 in aviation|2003]]) ** [[Scaled Composites SpaceShipOne|Model 316 SpaceShipOne]] ** [[Scaled Composites White Knight|Model 318 White Knight]] * [[Scaled Composites GlobalFlyer|Model 311 Virgin Atlantic GlobalFlyer]]: Same mission as Voyager, except a solo flight using a [[jet engine]] ([[2004 in aviation|2004]]) * [[Scaled Composites Model 346|Model 346]]: Mentioned verbally by Rutan in [[2004 in aviation|2004]]. Originally believed to reference [[SpaceShipTwo]] and [[White Knight 2]], the passenger suborbital spacecraft under construction by [[The Spaceship Company]], a joint venture between Scaled Composites and [[Virgin Group]] of the UK, for operation by the [[Virgin Galactic]] spaceline. But different model numbers have now been published (see below). * [[Tier 1b]] ([[2008 in aviation|2008]]) ** [[Scaled Composites SpaceShipTwo|Model 339 SpaceShipTwo]] <ref name=linehan-spaceshipone>Linehan, Dan. ''SpaceShipOne: An Illustrated History''. Zenith Press, 2008. ISBN 978-0-7603-3188-0.</ref> ** [[Scaled Composites White Knight Two|Model 348 White Knight Two]] <ref name=linehan-spaceshipone /> * [[United States Air Force|USAF]] [[USAF Hunter-Killer|Hunter-Killer]] project ([[2007 in aviation|2007?]]) in cooperation with [[Northrop Grumman]] ** [[Scaled Composites Model 395|Model 395]]: Proposed unmanned version of Model 281, equipped with armament ** [[Scaled Composites Model 396|Model 396]]: Smaller version of the [[RQ-4 Global Hawk]], equipped with armament === External Projects - Aircraft === * US flight based testing and evaluation of the [[GA8 Airvan]] manufactured by [[Gippsland Aeronautics]] of [[Victoria, Australia]] (2000?). ** Flight evaluation of the external underneath cargo pod (2002?). == Non-aircraft work == * [[Stars & Stripes (yacht)|''Stars & Stripes'']]: The [[catamaran]] that formed [[Dennis Conner]]'s [[United States|American]] entry for the [[America's Cup]] yacht race ([[1988]]) * [[Power Augmented Ram Landing Craft]] (PARLC): For the [[United States Navy|U.S. Navy]].<!-- Does ANYONE have any info on this? Google has nothing. Only info I have found is on Rutan's site. --> * [[General Motors Ultralite]] ([[1992]]) == References == {{reflist}} ==External links== {{commons|Category:Scaled Composites|Scaled Composites}} * [http://scaled.com/ Scaled Composites website] * [http://www.rutanaircraft.com/ Rutan Aircraft Factory website] * [http://www.aerofiles.com/_rutan.html Aerofiles data on various Rutan/Scaled projects] * {{cite web | title=Patents owned by Scaled Composites | work=US Patent & Trademark Office | url=http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO2&Sect2=HITOFF&u=%2Fnetahtml%2Fsearch-adv.htm&r=0&p=1&f=S&l=50&Query=an%2F%22scaled+composites%22&d=ptxt | accessmonthday=December 6 | accessyear=2005}} * [http://www.nenastran.com/newnoran/chPDF/CASE_SpaceShipOne.pdf SpaceShipOne Motor Bulkhead Case Study] {{The Spaceship Company}} {{Aviation lists}} {{coord|35.056488|-118.161370|display=title}} [[Category:Scaled Composites| ]] [[Category:Private spaceflight companies]] [[Category:Aircraft manufacturers of the United States]] [[Category:Tier One]] [[Category:Tier 1b]] [[Category:Northrop Grumman| ]] [[Category:Companies based in Kern County]] [[Category:Companies established in 1982]] [[Category:Aerospace companies of the United States]] [[Category:Engineering companies]] [[de:Scaled Composites]] [[es:Scaled Composites]] [[fr:Scaled Composites]] [[nl:Scaled Composites]] [[ja:スケールド・コンポジッツ]] [[pl:Scaled Composites]] [[ru:Scaled Composites]] [[fi:Scaled Composites]] [[sv:Scaled Composites]]