Overview
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
Dimensions
| Length | 17.16 m |
|---|---|
| Wingspan | 28.00 m |
| Height | 5.36 m |
Performance
| Max. speed | 519 km/h |
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Powerplant
| Engine model | Williams FJ44 |
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Figures are compiled from public sources and may be approximate; they can vary by variant and configuration.
Photos
Photo 1: NASA/Carla Thomas / Wikimedia Commons · Public domain
Some text and images come from Wikipedia / Wikimedia Commons under CC BY-SA licences. Source
