Starfighters Space completes first flight hardware for Mach 2+ test program

Starfighters Space, Inc. (NYSE American: FJET) announced the completion of its first flight hardware manufactured under a production agreement with Italian engineering company Robby Moto Engineering S.R.L. (RME), intended for use in its Wind Tunnel in the Sky airborne testing program.

The hardware, now en route to the company's base at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, consists of precision-manufactured components that will be assembled into two modular underwing flight articles. Each assembled unit measures 3.65 meters in length and 178 millimeters in diameter, based on a proven military air-launch vehicle form factor, making them compatible with Starfighters' existing F-104 underwing pylon systems.

The modular design includes interchangeable nose sections, tail assemblies, fin configurations, and internal payload compartments. The hardware is intended to support testing of hypersonic technologies, advanced sensors, avionics, communications equipment, electronic warfare systems, and microgravity conditions for scientific payloads.

"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.

Following assembly in Florida, the hardware will undergo ground handling, aircraft integration tests, and captive-carry flight evaluations before supporting customer missions. The company said flight data generated through the program is also expected to support development of its STARLAUNCH air launch system.

RME's AVIO Division, based in Casalmaggiore, Italy, produces precision components for high-performance aircraft and previously developed a fuselage-mounted video and telemetry system for Starfighters. Several aircraft in the Starfighters fleet were formerly operated by the Italian Air Force, which retired its F-104 fleet from military service in 2004.

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