Pathfinder was developed and built at AeroVironment Inc. in Simi Valley, California. Optimized for low-speed, high altitude flight, the machine is a wing 100 ft long and 8 ft wide. Each propulsion unit weighs only 13 pounds and consists of a propeller, a motor with internal power electronics, a nacelle, cooling fins and a mounting strut.
Solar arrays follow the contours of the wing's upper part.
The use of synthetic, high-strength, lightweight material played a major role in creating this remarkable design. Pathfinder flew for the first time October 1993. MacCready's goal is to develop a version that will fly for months at an altitude of 65,000 ft, serving as a stratospheric satellite.