Swift Engineering
Swift Ultra Long Endurance (SULE)
The Swift Ultra Long Endurance (SULE) is a high‑altitude, solar‑powered UAV developed by Swift Engineering, a company founded in 1979 that originally built race cars and later shifted to aerospace. The program began in 2015 after the company secured a contract from the United States Air Force to explore persistent surveillance and communications platforms. First flight took place in September 2017 near the Mojave Desert, demonstrating an endurance of more than 48 hours, and subsequent upgrades pushed continuous flight time beyond 120 hours.
Key features include a 30‑meter wingspan covered with flexible photovoltaic cells that generate up to 2.5 kilowatts of power, an energy‑dense lithium‑polymer battery bank for night operations, and a lightweight carbon‑fiber composite airframe capable of cruising at 75 km/h at 18 km altitude. Autonomous flight control and satellite‑link communications allow the aircraft to operate without ground crew.
The SULE’s significance lies in proving that solar‑electric propulsion can sustain truly long‑duration missions, opening new possibilities for border patrol, disaster monitoring, and scientific research. Its success has influenced subsequent designs such as the NASA Helios‑type vehicles and reinforced Swift Engineering’s reputation as an innovative player in unmanned aviation.
Key features include a 30‑meter wingspan covered with flexible photovoltaic cells that generate up to 2.5 kilowatts of power, an energy‑dense lithium‑polymer battery bank for night operations, and a lightweight carbon‑fiber composite airframe capable of cruising at 75 km/h at 18 km altitude. Autonomous flight control and satellite‑link communications allow the aircraft to operate without ground crew.
The SULE’s significance lies in proving that solar‑electric propulsion can sustain truly long‑duration missions, opening new possibilities for border patrol, disaster monitoring, and scientific research. Its success has influenced subsequent designs such as the NASA Helios‑type vehicles and reinforced Swift Engineering’s reputation as an innovative player in unmanned aviation.
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Design & Classification
- Country of Origin
- Manufacturer
- Swift Engineering
- Designer
- Swift Engineering
- Wikidata ID
- Q124434214