Scaled Composites Proteus
Scaled Composites · United States · first flew 1998 · light aircraft
The Scaled Composites Proteus is a tandem-wing high-altitude telecommunications relay and research aircraft designed by Burt Rutan, capable of loitering at 19,800 m for extended periods. Its unusual joined-wing geometry maximises lift-to-drag ratio at altitude.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Mid-mounted, straight |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 2 × turbofan, fuselage-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 17.16 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Twin fin |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Tandem-wing high-altitude research and relay aircraft
- Two Williams FJ44 turbofans mounted on twin tail booms behind the wing
- Distinctive joined-wing appearance with forward canard and main wing
Unmistakable tandem-wing configuration with a large rear wing, forward canard, twin boom-mounted turbofans, and an elongated composite fuselage — nothing else looks like it in the sky.
Specifications
- The Scaled Composites Proteus has a length of 17.16 m (56 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 28 m (92 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 504 km/h (313 mph).
- Typical crew: 2.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Commissioned by Angel Technologies and designed by Scaled Composites, the Proteus first flew in July 1998. It was conceived to serve as a high-altitude platform for broadband internet relay, though that business case never materialised. Instead the aircraft has been used extensively for science and technology research, atmospheric studies, and sensor testing.
Variants
The Proteus is essentially a one-off design; no production variants were built, though the aircraft has been modified with different sensor payloads over its career.
Where you'll see it
Operated by Scaled Composites/Northrop Grumman for research missions; has flown for NASA, DARPA, and various commercial research customers.
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