The American press published an article, which describes the test flights of promising US aircraft. Browser Tyler Rogway calls these trials "mystical flights".
The article tells how, that photographers managed to capture the flight of one of the most secret aircraft in the United States - the plane "Son of Ares" (project 401 – by fuselage number).
New challenges, as noted in the blogosphere and the US media, were carried out 13 June. F-15 fighters also flew into the sky.
At the same time, the United States declares the possible availability of two variants of this aircraft: N401XP and the "double" with a modified coating N401XD.
According to some reports, one of the directions of the tests was to verify the coating of aircraft. Also there was information about the changed (in comparison with modifications 2019 of the year) modification of the air intake.
In The Drive:
Photographer, who took pictures, draws attention to extremely bright shine, outgoing from the fuselage, which made the plane very noticeable.
It is assumed, that in certain areas the coating of the composite glider is made in the form of a mirror (reflective) surface. there is a version, that this could be done in order to verify the action of laser weapons. At the same time, a version of, that on board the aircraft themselves already installed laser weapons. However, the exact purpose, as about the fuselage cover, no one can say, except developers and customers, but they are still silent (for the press).
When testing, reportedly, two “Ares Sons” were involved simultaneously, who were shooting each other's flight modes. The flights were carried out at approximately the same height.
Attention is drawn to the electron-optical component of these composite aircraft. It is this component that is considered as a possible laser on board.
earlier it was reported, that such a development company is engaged in Scaled Composites commissioned by the US Navy. Tests are not the first time. Main Test Site - Mojave Desert.
Earlier, some characteristics of the “Son of Ares” were announced in the media.. for example, its small mass (due to the use of lightweight and durable composites) - about 1700-1800 kg. Wingspan - 11 m. Maximum height - 9 km. The maximum payload is approximately equal to the mass of the aircraft itself - up to 1,8 t.
At the same time noted, that the aircraft may eventually appear as in a manned, and in unmanned versions
For reference:
Ares - god of war in ancient Greek mythology. Moreover, in myths he was distinguished by cruelty and cunning.
