The first tests after the rollout will simply involve the airliner carrying the X-34 mounted underneath. This is to allow the Federal Aviation Administration to approve the required modifications to the L-1011 airliner.
The larger X-33 will benefit from technology developed on the X-34
The next stage will be powered flights for the X-34. In these, the demonstrator will be carried aloft before igniting its rocket engine. Following the powered portion of flight, the unpiloted X-34 will land horizontally, initially on a dry lakebed and eventually on a runway.
There are 27 flights planned for the first year and these will aim to demonstrate the X-34's ability to fly again within 24 hours of its last mission and its ability to fly in bad weather.