Mystery aircraft photographed in California

A high altitude scientific research aircraft with secondary millitary operations.....

It just looks like no plane or idea i have seen before

The more I look. The more I'm leaning towards unmanned and the areas that look like windowed. Maybe they are something else. Like rader.

a reply to: Sublimecraft

looks like 'part of' an aircraft.

It's a concept vehicle.

a reply to: Zaphod58

From the air force NASA or DARPA?

a reply to: blackbird9393

It could be a private firm. There is a surprising amount of industry at Victorville.

a reply to: blackbird9393

Maybe it's a drone?

I've heard a lot lately about drone vehicles to taxi people around.

It's clearly a strange concept. Maybe one that doesn't fly just a taxing concept

An aircraft for rader testing?

a reply to: Mikehawk

Rader concept perhaps

Looks like some rickety pos that rolled over on its side.

originally posted by: Zaphod58
a reply to: blackbird9393

It could be a private firm. There is a surprising amount of industry at Victorville.

That's what I was thinking. Cobalt is a French small aircraft company in SF. They have a new plane the Valkarie, but were supposed to have up to a half dozen other prototypes as well around the pusher prop.
This is their new plane, it's not the aircraft in the picture of course.

a reply to: smurfy

Great find

originally posted by: intrptr

Thats what I thought when I saw it the other day in the approach path for Moffett. It caught my attention due to its distinctive prop noise that I associate with drones or 'pushers'.

There is a Rutan Long EZ that flies out of the Palo Alto Muni field all the time.......

originally posted by: FredT

originally posted by: intrptr

Thats what I thought when I saw it the other day in the approach path for Moffett. It caught my attention due to its distinctive prop noise that I associate with drones or 'pushers'.

There is a Rutan Long EZ that flies out of the Palo Alto Muni field all the time.......

I see...

image

Might have been...

...do they use the same Moffett approach path for that strip?

a reply to: intrptr

Yes, we do or at least will approach in an around the Moffett Field so its possible that an aircraft on approach to Palo Alto could appear to be close to the normal pattern of Moffett.

The picture you posted of the twin in a pusher condition is interesting. The picture is older than 2011 as Hanger One in the background has its panels. Its clearly not the Piaggio P.180 Avanti that lurks around here Taken in 2014.

Its a long shot, but based on 2 engines in a pusher configuration, no tail and winglets........ A Beechcraft Starship? I know scaled used to use the wind tunnels late at night at Moffett and they do own one of 9 or so left flying

a reply to: FredT

Yes, we do or at least will approach in an around the Moffatt Field so its possible that an aircraft on approach to Palo Alto could appear to be close to the normal pattern of Moffatt.

Apparently.

RCMD ACFT LNDG AT PALO ALTO ARPT FLY AT OR ABOVE 1500 FT UNTIL CROSSING THE BAYSHORE FREEWAY.

Palo Alto Airport

a reply to: ChipForBrains
Hit the wrong button.

I agree. I have a hunch it's a hydrogen fuel cell demonstrator. That leads me to suspect Boeing. With any luck I can get out to the Moffett flight line in the next day or two and ask around.
a reply to: Zaphod58

a reply to: Zaphod58

A lot of industry in victorville and in unusual places you wouldnt expect too.