HALO - the project

  • The HALO research aircraft

    The new High Altitude and LOng Range Research Aircraft (HALO) research aircraft heralds a new chapter in the history of German atmospheric research and Earth observation. HALO is based on a Gulfstream G 550 ultra long range business jet. The combination of range, cruising altitude, payload and comprehensive instrumentation make the aircraft a globally unique research platform.

    Credit: DLR (CC-BY 3.0).

  • HALO's engine

    The new High Altitude and LOng Range Research Aircraft (HALO) research aircraft heralds a new chapter in the history of German atmospheric research and Earth observation. HALO is based on a Gulfstream G 550 ultra long range business jet. The combination of range, cruising altitude, payload and comprehensive instrumentation make the aircraft a globally unique research platform.

    Credit: DLR (CC-BY 3.0).

  • View from the HALO cockpit

    HALO is based on the Gulfstream G550 ultra long range business jet. With a range of well over 8000 kilometres, HALO is the first aircraft capable of taking measurements on a continental scale. Any region from the poles to the tropics and remote areas of the Pacific can be reached in this research aircraft. The maximum flight altitude of over 15 kilometres also enables measurements to be taken in the lower stratosphere, outside of the tropics.

    Credit: DLR (CC-BY 3.0).

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New dimensions in atmospheric research and Earth observation

HALO's excellent performance, the new operating concept and broad user community open up new dimensions in environmental and climate research using aircraft in Germany and Europe. But HALO also offers new possibilities for Earth observation:

  • With its unique capabilities and features, HALO makes new experiments and larger payloads possible.
  • The new operating model particularly encourages the participation of universities in atmospheric research using aircraft.
  • HALO is embedded in the European research landscape and completes European capabilities in this area.
  • HALO will be available for appropriate research programmes anywhere in Europe.
  • Its long range makes HALO a global tool; hence, it contributes to closer international collaboration in the global network of comparable projects.
  • HALO reinforces Germany‘s leading position in atmospheric research and Earth observation.

Last modified:
23/08/2012 09:46:51