# Super-Altitude Gliders The Perlan Mission II Can Fly Higher Than Most Spy Planes By Rahul Kalvapalle | Published 2015-09-24 | Autos Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/perlan References: [gizmag](http://www.gizmag.com/perlan-2-glider-maiden-flight/39546/) & [perlanproject.org](http://www.perlanproject.org/) The Perlan Mission II is an incredible glider, that only just recently made its maiden flight, that is capable of flying at higher altitudes than the likes of the U-2 spy plane and SR-71 Blackbird. The aircraft's first test flight took place above Roberts Field at the Redmond Municipal Airport in Oregon. The excitement surrounding the Perlan Mission II is only just starting however, as it is expected to make a world record altitude attempt by going to the edge of space next year. "The knowledge gained from this project will impact how the world understands and addresses climate change," said CEO Tom Enders of Airbus, which is involved in the project. "But it will also help Airbus continue to innovate ways to fly higher, faster and cleaner, on Earth and possibly beyond." ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 5.0/10 - Popularity: 82% | Activity: 60% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Autos](https://www.trendhunter.com/autos) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Super-altitude Gliders:** The development of gliders that can fly at higher altitudes presents disruptive innovation opportunities in aerospace technology. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Aerospace Industry:** The aerospace industry can benefit from the development of super-altitude gliders by integrating this technology into their aircraft designs and exploring new possibilities for high-altitude flight. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Heavy-Duty Hybrid Drones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hybrid-drones.md) - [Zero-Emission Solar-Powered Aircrafts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/falcon-horizon.md) - [Hydrogen-Powered Hypersonic Airplanes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sky-magnetar.md) - [Autonomous Cargo Gliders](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cargo-glider.md) - [Progressive Air-Breathing Satellites](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sabresat.md) - [Aerodynamic Gyroplane Concepts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gyroplane.md) - [Space Tourism Travels](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/balloon-spacecraft.md) - [Ultra-Fast One-Person Electric Vehicles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/airspeeder-mk4.md) - [Renewable Energy Aircrafts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/solarpowered-aircraft.md)