Daunting area to be searched for missing Fossett

US National Guard C-130s and helicopters with infrared and thermal imaging equipment scoured the soaring peaks and sagebrush desert of north-west Nevada early today for any sign of missing adventurist Steve Fossett.

Fossett disappeared on Monday after taking off from a private airstrip in a single-engine plane to scout sites for an attempt at a land-speed record in a rocket-propelled car.