The subsonic craft would operate for about 60 to 80 hours at an altitude of about 60,000 feet. Perdzock allows that the sensorcraft could be quite large with a singular wingspan of more than 100 feet. The sensorcraft would have the capability to distribute data directly to operations centers and even aircraft in theater of operations, if required. One main difference between the sensorcraft and existing long-endurance UAVs such as Global Hawk would be its greater variety of apertures. The sensorcraft could accommodate lower frequency RF apertures, which are larger than those of higher frequencies.
Several challenges loom for the successful development of the sensorcraft.
Perdzock warns that the sensor package, which forms the basis for the aircraft, poses weight and cost challenges. The craft's propulsion system must meet advanced fuel consumption and power generation capabilities. The vehicle must be lightweight and strong and offer high aerodynamic performance and efficiency. We want to find out what we can achieve and what we can bring to the table in terms of capability that provides a needed function. Enabling programs are already being laid out, Perdzock says.