High-altitude long endurance (HALE)

High-altitude long endurance (HALE) refers to specially designed aircraft that fly at very high altitudes—often above 60,000 feet—for extended periods, sometimes weeks or months. They are built for surveillance, communication, or scientific research, relying on fuel efficiency and advanced technology to stay airborne longer than typical planes. By operating high above weather and commercial air traffic, they provide persistent coverage of large areas, making them valuable for monitoring borders, environmental data collection, or supporting military missions without the need for frequent landings.