Non-Piloted Aircraft Able to Stay Aloft for 5 Years At a Time, page 1

The developer of the aircraft is a company named DARPA, whose engineers say "Vulture" project represents a "persistent pseudo-satellite capability in an aircraft package."

The aircraft functions like a satellite that is not monitored by orbital mechanics. "Vulture" could be put into position over the battle, at 65,000 feet against 260 miles.

Having such grand goals the company has to overcome some serious barriers. One of the major obstacles is linked with the fact that designers have to figure out the way to supply power to such an aircraft during the long missions. In addition it is worth mentioning that the aircraft will carry a 1000 pound (450 kg) payload in terrible winds at an altitude of 60,000 to 90,000 feet. In regard to the design of the aircraft, it will probably be the one seen in the picture, developed by NASA, however, there is no certain time table on when the craft will actually be ready.