Mysterious Stealth-Like Aircraft Spotted at Long Beach Airport Identified as Space Launch Drone Prototype

A mysterious and sleek aircraft was recently spotted emerging from a hangar at Long Beach Airport in Southern California, capturing the attention of aviation enthusiasts. Ricky Schol, an experienced aviation photographer with 16 years of experience at the airport, noticed a bright light coming from a rarely used hangar while driving past on Thursday evening. Intrigued by what he saw, Schol returned to investigate and was astonished to find an unfamiliar aircraft that left him puzzled due to its unique design.

Schol initially thought the aircraft might be an F-117 Nighthawk stealth fighter jet because of its distinctive silhouette but quickly realized it did not match any known military aircraft. The most striking feature was the lack of a cockpit, which added to the mystery surrounding the unidentified airframe.

Further investigation by Schol revealed that the aircraft is actually the RAVN X, a prototype space launch drone developed by Aevum Aerospace based in Huntsville, Alabama. According to Schol's inquiries and research, the FAA registration number N567RX confirmed its identity as part of Aevum’s ambitious project.

The RAVN X was first unveiled with great fanfare in 2021 as a two-stage rocket system designed to launch payloads weighing up to 1,000 pounds into orbit. The drone itself is described as resembling an A-5 Vigilante aircraft, measuring 80 feet in length and boasting a wingspan of 60 feet. It features twin engines and was touted for its speed and efficiency.

Aevum’s CEO Jay Skylus had outlined an ambitious timeline for the RAVN X project, including vehicle-level testing to secure airworthiness certification from the Federal Aviation Administration and orbital launch tests planned for late 2021 at Cecil Spaceport in Jacksonville, Florida. However, there has been no public update on the progress of these plans since then.

Despite the initial excitement surrounding the RAVN X prototype, recent reports suggest that Aevum may not have achieved its stated goals. According to Gunter’s Space Page, a reputable source for launch information, all activities related to the project appeared to halt by August 2024, raising doubts about whether any real hardware has been produced beyond the initial mockup.

The appearance of the RAVN X at Long Beach Airport highlights the ongoing efforts in the aerospace industry to develop innovative space launch technologies. However, questions remain regarding Aevum’s ability to meet its ambitious timeline and bring the RAVN X from prototype to operational status.