The Global Observer high altitude UAV system is developed by
Aerovironment for missions spanning over a week. This aircraft
was designed to provide long dwelling stratospheric capability
with global range and no latitude restrictions.
Operating at these heights, the platforms provides 'near space'
capability comparable to satellites, providing services such as
persistent ISR and communications relay, including dedicated communications
support and satellite link redundancy for other UAVs. The aircraft
is designed for operations significantly longer than the current
Global Hawk, carrying payloads of 400 to 1,000 lbs of payload to
an altitude of 65,000 ft. where it will cover a 'footprint' of up
to 600 mile in diameter.
News update -
Sept 26, 2007: AeroVironment Launches Global Observer Program for
the US Special Operations Command

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