Could spy for 5 years nonstop.

• Author: Beidel, Eric
• Position: High-Altitude Aircraft

* Scientists would like to create a drone with 1,000 times more durable than today's most persistent unmanned aircraft.

The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency aims to develop "an entirely new class of aircraft that combines the key benefits of satellites with those of aircraft," program manager Daniel Newman said.

The drone, called Vulture, would join the endurance of a satellite with the ability to stay in one region. It would be able to fly over a certain area for 44,000 hours straight. Scientists envision it operating at altitudes of 50,000 and 70,000 feet, about the same as a Global Hawk, the military's largest drone.

The final product most likely will feature a solar-electric power system and payloads that far exceed the reliability of those on current unmanned aircraft. Because Vulture...