Scaled Composites
Scaled Composites Proteus
The Scaled Composites Proteus is a twin‑boom, high‑altitude, long‑range research aircraft developed by the California‑based aerospace firm Scaled Composites. Conceived in the early 1990s under a joint program with NASA, the National Center for Atmospheric Research and the Department of Defense, the prototype first flew on 12 April 1998. Its design combined a swept‑wing, carbon‑fiber composite structure with a pressurized cabin capable of sustaining up to 60,000 feet, allowing scientists to conduct continuous atmospheric, communications and surveillance missions for weeks at a time.
Key features include two Aero‑prop propulsion systems—a turboprop driving a pusher propeller and a separate gas‑generator turbofan for power generation—providing redundancy and efficient fuel consumption. The aircraft’s modular interior can be re‑configured for payloads ranging from scientific instruments to satellite‑communication antennas, while its extensive fuel capacity enables trans‑oceanic endurance exceeding 30 hours. The Proteus also pioneered advanced flight‑control software that integrates autopilot, health‑monitoring and adaptive navigation.
Its significance lies in demonstrating how composite construction and versatile mission architecture can extend the reach of unmanned and crewed platforms alike. Proteus set a precedent for future high‑altitude re‑usable aircraft, influencing designs such as the Global Hawk UAV and contributing to long‑duration atmospheric research programs worldwide.
Key features include two Aero‑prop propulsion systems—a turboprop driving a pusher propeller and a separate gas‑generator turbofan for power generation—providing redundancy and efficient fuel consumption. The aircraft’s modular interior can be re‑configured for payloads ranging from scientific instruments to satellite‑communication antennas, while its extensive fuel capacity enables trans‑oceanic endurance exceeding 30 hours. The Proteus also pioneered advanced flight‑control software that integrates autopilot, health‑monitoring and adaptive navigation.
Its significance lies in demonstrating how composite construction and versatile mission architecture can extend the reach of unmanned and crewed platforms alike. Proteus set a precedent for future high‑altitude re‑usable aircraft, influencing designs such as the Global Hawk UAV and contributing to long‑duration atmospheric research programs worldwide.
Dimensions
- Wing Area
- 27.92 square metre
- Length
- 17.16 metre
- Height
- 5.36 metre
- Mass
- 5670 kilogram
Performance
- Maximum Speed
- 519 kilometre per hour
- Service Ceiling
- 17678 metre
Production & History
- Units Produced
- 1
- First Flight
- 1998
- Service Entry
- 1999
Design & Classification
- Country of Origin
- Manufacturer
- Scaled Composites
- Designer
- Burt Rutan
- Engine
- Williams FJ44
- Wikidata ID
- Q1412588