God eyes at an altitude of 20,000m

France has just announced the new StratoBus project, a hybrid reconnaissance tool between satellites and UAVs, that will operate within the stratosphere.

While unmanned aerial reconnaissance (UAV) aircraft are getting more crowded on airspace, besides plans to place super satellites on Earth orbit, the emergence of a UAV hybrid - satellite The stratosphere is only a matter of time.

StratoBus model by Thales design - (Photo: Thales)

StratoBus , a new French project, is a balloon-like form designed in length with a football field, 23m in diameter, and carbon fiber casing.

Operation without a launch pad, StratoBus floats on the low space of the stratosphere, at an altitude of 20,000m.

This is the height that according to the developers is the perfect position to deploy many different goals, including spying, border security control, telecommunications communications .

And also by maintaining a higher altitude, StratoBus can capture sharp images and maintain a stronger signaling telecommunications system, such as improving the GSM system's capabilities in 'golden' hours. .

StratoBus is capable of undertaking missions throughout the year, with a total life of up to 5 years.

StratoBus is equipped with the most modern solar energy system, with electric panels designed to attract maximum solar energy.

StratoBus is a project led by Thales Alenia Space, in partnership with Airbus Defense & Space, Zodiac Marine and CEA-Liten.

Expected, the first prototype will be ready in five years, according to Wired magazine.