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Scaled Composites Proteus

Scaled Composites · High-Altitude Long-Endurance Research Platform · USA · Modern (1992–2009)

Scaled Composites Proteus — High-Altitude Long-Endurance Research Platform
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The Scaled Composites Model 281 Proteus is a tandem-wing high-altitude long-endurance aircraft designed by Burt Rutan to investigate the use of aircraft as high-altitude telecommunications relays. The Proteus is a multi-mission vehicle able to carry various payloads on a ventral pylon. The Proteus has an extremely efficient design and can orbit a point at over 19,800 m for more than 18 hours. It is currently owned by Northrop Grumman.

Specifications

Category
Fixed Wing
Sub-Category
Experimental
Domain
Civil
Era
Modern (1992–2009)
Country
USA
Manufacturer
Scaled Composites
Operator
NASA / DARPA / private research
Primary Role
High-Altitude Long-Endurance Research Platform
Status
In Service
Service Entry
1998
Produced
1
Engine
2× turbofans
Thrust / Power
2293 lbf each
Length (ft)
56
Wingspan (ft)
77
Empty Weight (lb)
5860
MTOW (lb)
12500
Endurance (hr)
14 hours at 1150 fro
Service Ceiling (ft)
61000
Max Speed (mph)
313