A spherical gas bearing is analyzed and tested for an airborne application. The externally pressurized bearing supports an inertially stabilized 36-in aperture, infrared telescope. The bearing provides the isolation of rotary motion from the aircraft and also serves as a seal between the aircraft cabin and cavity condition at 50, 000 ft altitude. The accompanying temperature gradient of 135 F across the 16-in diameter bearing created special design and manufacturing considerations. Test data of static load under temperature and vacuum environment were taken in support of the analysis.Presented of the 29th Annual Meeting in Cleveland, Ohio, April 28–May 2, 1974