The story
Burt Rutan designed Proteus to circle high over a city as a flying telecom tower, carrying a 13-foot dish under its belly. Broadband went another way, so it became a research aircraft instead, carrying instruments, radars and test payloads on its wings, booms, nose, tail and belly. It is named for the Greek sea god who kept changing shape, because it was built to be reconfigured. Only one exists. It first flew in 1998, passed 25 years of flying in 2023, and is based at Mojave.
In October 2000 Proteus climbed to 63,245 feet, a world altitude record for its class. In 2023 Scaled Composites said that record and two others it set that month had never been broken.
Quick answers
How do you identify a Model 281 Proteus?
Two long, thin wings one behind the other, one near the nose and one at the back. Twin booms end in two tall fins, and the two engines sit side by side on top of the fuselage. Usually white with PROTEUS on the side.
What does a Model 281 Proteus sound like?
Two Williams FJ44s, the same engine family as a Cessna CitationJet: a light jet hiss that fades fast once it climbs.
How fast is the Model 281 Proteus?
Top speed is 272 kts.
How many people does the Model 281 Proteus carry?
Typical configuration: 2 pilots in a pressurised cabin; optionally piloted.
How big is the Model 281 Proteus?
It is 56 ft 4 in long and 77 ft 7 in (92 ft with tip extensions) across the wings.
When did the Model 281 Proteus first fly?
Its first flight was in 1998.
How many Model 281 Proteuss have been built?
1 built.
How rare is a Model 281 Proteus in Bogey?
LEGENDARY. The top tier. Spotters plan trips around a catch like this. Your first Model 281 Proteus catch is worth 1,000 points.
