Porsche pushed the Cayenne Electric to its limits in tandem with Stratolaunch's six-engine aircraft.

At California's Mojave Air and Space Port, Porsche partnered with aerospace company Stratolaunch for a one-of-a-kind engineering test, where the Cayenne Turbo Electric successfully drove beneath Roc, the world's largest aircraft by wingspan, during both takeoff and landing.

This was not a race. It was a demonstration of precision, stability, and power. The Cayenne had to maintain its exact position beneath the aircraft while traveling at speed, leaving almost no room for error. With a 385-foot wingspan, 340,500 pounds of thrust, and the ability to take off at a maximum weight of 1.3 million pounds, Roc presented an extraordinary challenge. With Porsche factory driver Patrick Long behind the wheel and Stratolaunch engineers validating the test, the feat showcased the remarkable capability of the most powerful production Porsche ever built. Watch the Cayenne Turbo Electric in action here.

Inquire about the new Porsche Cayenne Electric at an indiGO Auto Group Porsche dealer near you.

Cayenne Turbo Electric vs the World's Largest Aircraft

Porsche engineers set out to prove an unusual aerodynamic theory that a vehicle could safely pass beneath an aircraft during takeoff. To make it possible, they needed a vehicle with exceptional power, precise handling, high-speed stability, and the ability to exceed Roc's takeoff speed of more than 160 mph. The Cayenne Turbo Electric was the perfect choice. Producing up to 1,139 horsepower, sprinting from 0 to 60 mph in just 2.4 seconds, and equipped with active aerodynamics, it delivered the performance and confidence the challenge demanded.

Related: 2026 Porsche Cayenne Electric

A Test of Precision Beneath the World's Largest Aircraft

Built from lightweight composite materials, Stratolaunch's Roc serves as a launch platform for spacecraft and advanced hypersonic research. With a 385-foot wingspan and 340,500 pounds of thrust, it is larger and more powerful than the Airbus A380.

As Roc takes off and lands, powerful jet blast and turbulence surround the aircraft. Engineers identified one small pocket of relatively calm air just behind the landing gear and ahead of the tail. To remain inside this narrow zone, the Cayenne Turbo Electric had to match the aircraft's speed and position with remarkable accuracy from the start of its takeoff roll through liftoff.

This was never a runway race. It was a demanding demonstration of precision, confidence, and engineering excellence, requiring flawless coordination between two groundbreaking machines. Patrick Long described it as one of the most intense moments in his life. Stratolaunch chief test pilot Jonathan ‘Beast’ Bearce praised Patrick and the Cayenne Turbo Electric, adding: "I was seriously impressed by Patrick’s composure and how the car handled pressure." Read the full experience here.

More about the Cayenne Electric: Newsweek Names the Cayenne Electric One of the Most Anticipated Vehicles of 2026

Where Precision Met Perfect Timing

After the first successful run confirmed the theory, the team pushed the challenge even further by synchronizing with Roc during landing. Working closely with the flight crew, Patrick Long timed his approach to slip beneath the aircraft just behind its landing gear moments before touchdown.

Over the course of the test, the Cayenne Turbo Electric completed two takeoffs and two landings beneath the aircraft without incident. The successful outcome highlighted the power of careful engineering, precise execution, and complete confidence in both the Cayenne Electric and the flight team.

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Order the New Porsche Cayenne Turbo Electric

The Cayenne Turbo Electric's extraordinary test alongside Stratolaunch's Roc was far more than a headline-grabbing moment. It was real-world proof of the SUV's remarkable power, precise handling, and unwavering stability under some of the most demanding conditions imaginable.

If you would like to experience the next generation of Porsche performance, contact an indiGO Auto Group Porsche Center to learn more about the new Porsche Cayenne Turbo Electric and place your order today.