The thin atmosphere of Mars’ 'sea level' is the equivalent to Earth atmosphere at about 130,000 feet. This presents challenges and opportunities for us to design a manned Martian aircraft.

There are four main possibilities for flight vehicles: conventional propeller aircraft, helicopter, dirigible, and reaction engine craft. Each design has its merits and detractions. But all are possible, and could all be accommodated in a mature planetary transport infrastructure.

One design is selected, the reconnaisance aircraft. It has three crew, medium range, propellers for thrust, and remote take-off and landing capability. It can perform Search and Rescue, resupply of outposts, topographical and resource mapping, filming and data gathering, rock sampling, and ground truthing.

As a key element in a concentrated exploration plan, even one such aircraft would multiply the field capability of the early Martian explorers manyfold. The crew will be able to get close-in visual contact with terrain features and geological phenomenon not otherwise possible.

The author is currently in the preliminary design stages of building a Mark I manned experimental vehicle for Earth deployment. Configuration, propulsion, and equipment needs are being weighed against a tight budget. System design constraints will be discussed.

Human Exploration