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.
Image: 1/3, Credit:
DownloadDownload
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.
Image: 2/3, Credit:
DownloadDownload
View from the HALO cockpit
The HALO (High Altitude and LOng Range) research aircraft is based on the ultra-long-range G 550 business jet produced by Gulfstream Aerospace. With a range of more than 8000 kilometres, measurements on the scale of continents are possible; the research aircraft can reach all regions, from the poles to the tropics and remote areas of the Pacific Ocean. Its maximum flight altitude of about 15 kilometres also allows for measurements in the lower stratosphere, outside the tropics.
Image: 3/3, Credit:
DownloadDownload

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.

Contact

Falk Dambowsky

Head of Media Relations, Editor
German Aerospace Center (DLR)
Corporate Communications
Linder Höhe, 51147 Cologne
Tel: +49 2203 601-3959