Perhaps Vern isn't aware there are multiple models of the Sky Dragon. The model designed for stratospheric operation is composed of 10 segments and is close to 700 feet in total length. This was described in a document I downloaded from the Stuttgart site a few months ago, and discussed with a few people over the phone. I'll try and dig up that document and post a link, unless someone beats me to it.
So, when Vern refers to the model we've seen in pics and video as not being a candidate for extreme high altitude, I agree.
Standby for another model we have yet to see to make it's debut in the near future.
...and on the 7th day, God turned off his Macintosh.
