NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration

ERAST Demonstrator (D-2) in flight. As part of the ERAST (Environmental Research Aircraft and Sensor Technology) program, the D-2 was designed to test technologies that could lead to aircraft capable of long-duration flight (12 to 72 hours) at high-altitude while carrying science payloads. NASA’s role in ERAST was primarily as a facilitator for the development of new technology, drawing together firms interested in building and testing new concepts in this field. Key development areas included lightweight structures, science payload integration, engine development and flight-control systems. The D-2 was built by Scaled Composites and first flown on 23 August 1994. In late 1996, NASA demonstrated over-the-horizon communication capabilities with the D-2 using the Tracking and Data Relay Satellite System (TDRS) to command and control the aircraft.

Owner	(BMDO/DOE Transferring to NASA)
Manufacturer	Scaled Composites Inc.
Fuselage Length	25 ft.
Wingspan	66 ft.
Wing Area	187.9 ft.
Aspect Ratio	20
Take-off Weight	1880 lbs.
Wing loading	10.0 lb/sq. ft.
Payload	75 lbs.
Altitude	65,000 ft.
Mission Duration	4-8 hrs.
Structure	Carbon over nomEx HONEYCOMB and foam
Engine	Rotax 912 horizontally opposed four cylinder modified to operate with twin turbocharging in series with intercooler
Engine Horsepower	100 Horsepower
Propeller	4.27 meter diameter (14 ft.)