SAN CLEMENTE, Calif. - Swift Engineering in San Clemente, Calif. announced its Swift Ultra Long Endurance (SULE) uncrewed aircraft reached an altitude of 55,904 feet during a 24-hour flight on 29-30 September 2024, marking a milestone for the high-altitude, long-endurance platform. The flight, conducted at Spaceport America in New Mexico, more than doubled the aircraft's previous altitude record of 25,000 feet.
The solar-powered SULE is designed for extended missions, including applications in environmental monitoring, disaster response, and defense. With a 72-foot wingspan and a 15-pound payload capacity, SULE is capable of providing continuous communication relay services and large-scale monitoring beyond the range of Swift's other uncrewed aircraft systems. The company's portfolio also includes the shorter-range, vertical takeoff and landing Swift Crane and the gas-powered Swift Accipiter, which is optimized for military and law enforcement use.
Swift Engineering is collaborating with NASA on a two-year program to develop cost-effective uncrewed aircraft capable of extended endurance and enhanced data collection. The program includes ground tests and flights lasting up to seven days.
Swift Engineering says that its SULE is suitable for both commercial and government applications, setting a new benchmark in high-altitude uncrewed aviation.
"As a HAPS solution, the solar-powered SULE is designed to stay airborne for multiple weeks at a time," said Hamed Khalkhali, president of Swift Engineering. "Its wide range of applications includes communications relay, internet/comms in underserved or remote areas, ISR needs, forest fire monitoring, traffic management, disaster relief, agriculture, change detection and many others. In addition, it is significantly lower in cost to manufacture and operate compared to other available offerings."
