NASA’s Dryden Flight Research Center is requesting information on sources of a high-altitude, long-endurance manned aircraft to enter service in 2008 and fly missions carrying Earth science sensors. The agency is looking for an aircraft able to carry payloads exceeding 1,000kg (2,200lb) to altitudes above 60,000ft (18,000m) for up to 16h over ranges beyond 11,000km (6,000nm), preferably able to accommodate two researchers or relief crew. NASA has previously used Scaled Composites’ 53,000ft-capable, 16h-endurance Proteus. A NASA-supplied research flight-control computer will provide automated flightpath guidance generated by the sensors, redirecting the aircraft in response to environmental data.

Source: Flight International