Starfighters Space completes first flight hardware for Wind Tunnel in the Sky

Starfighters Space, Inc., the space company operating the world's only commercial fleet of flight-ready Mach 2+ supersonic aircraft, today announced the completion of its first flight hardware manufactured under a production agreement with Italian engineering company Robby Moto Engineering S.R.L. (RME), marking an important milestone in the Company's continued development of its previously announced reusable airborne testing platform, Wind Tunnel in the Sky.

Now en route to the Company's base at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, the precision-manufactured components will be assembled into two modular underwing flight articles designed to support reusable Mach 2+ testing in real atmospheric conditions. The flight hardware will support an initial planned customer deployment while establishing capabilities that can be adapted for future missions. The RME hardware is being developed as part of Starfighters' phased approach to expanding the capabilities of its F-104 aircraft to support:

– Testing hypersonic technologies, designs and advanced materials

– Testing advanced sensors, avionics, communications equipment, and electronic warfare systems

– Providing extended-duration microgravity conditions for scientific payloads

The assembled flight articles measure 3.65 metres in length and 178 millimetres in diameter with a form factor based on a proven military air-launch vehicle, making them compatible with the Company's existing F-104 underwing pylon systems. The modular architecture incorporates interchangeable nose sections, tail assemblies, fin configurations, and internal payload compartments, enabling rapid adaptation for different customer missions while maintaining a proven external aerodynamic profile.

"Completing our first flight hardware represents an important step toward building the capabilities that support our long-term commercial strategy," said Tim Franta, CEO of Starfighters. "Our Wind Tunnel in the Sky is designed to enable testing of advanced technologies through sustained Mach 2+ flight, extending testing beyond the seconds-long runs typical of traditional wind tunnels. The flight data and operational experience generated through this program is expected to also support our continued development of the STARLAUNCH air launch system."

Following assembly in Florida, the hardware will undergo ground handling and processing workflows, aircraft integration tests and captive-carry flight evaluations before supporting future customer missions.

"Using a proven aerodynamic configuration allows us to focus on payload integration, flight testing and mission execution rather than developing an entirely new external flight body," said Piercarlo Ciacchi, Director of Flight Operations and Chief Pilot of Starfighters. "The modular design gives us the flexibility to support a wide range of customer requirements while maintaining predictable flight characteristics throughout our development program."

The collaboration with RME builds upon Starfighters' longstanding relationship with the company and with Italy. RME's AVIO Division, based in Casalmaggiore, Italy, produces precision components for high-performance aircraft, urban air mobility systems and motorsport vehicles. RME previously developed a fuselage-mounted video and telemetry system for Starfighters' in-flight payloads.

Several aircraft in the Starfighters fleet were previously operated by the Italian Air Force, where Mr. Ciacchi flew F-104s as an active-duty pilot. In 2023, he flew one of the Company's aircraft during the Italian Air Force Centennial celebration in Rome, commemorating the jet's four decades of service with Italy's military. Italy was the last nation to operate the F-104, retiring its fleet from military service in 2004.