Scaled Composites Proteus

The Scaled Composites Model 281 Proteus is a tandem-wing, high-altitude, long-endurance aircraft designed by Burt Rutan to study the use of aircraft as high-altitude telecommunications relays. It is a multi-mission vehicle that carries payloads on a ventral pylon, and the maker describes it as a twin-turbofan aircraft powered by Williams International FJ44-2E engines, with long wings and a low wing loading for efficient loitering at height. It first flew on 26 July 1998 and can be flown piloted or as an unmanned vehicle. Missions it supports include telecommunications relay, reconnaissance, atmospheric research, commercial imaging and space launch. It can orbit a point above 19,800 metres for more than 18 hours, and it holds several Federation Aeronautique Internationale altitude records in its class. It is owned by Northrop Grumman through Scaled Composites.