20 Oct Weathering the Storm: NOAA Deploys Black Swift’s Groundbreaking S0 UAS into Tropical Storm Tammy
Exciting news from the forefront of atmospheric research: NOAA has taken a groundbreaking step in advancing our understanding of tropical storms with the deployment of Black Swift Technologies’ cutting-edge S0 unmanned aerial system (UAS) into Tropical Storm Tammy. Uncrewed UAS are shaping up to play a critical role in the future of improving hurricane forecasting. This remarkable feat represents a paradigm shift in storm monitoring capabilities, offering unparalleled insights into these dynamic weather systems.
At the heart of this pioneering effort is Black Swift Technologies air deployed S0 UAS specifically designed to operate in low- and medium-altitude maritime environments, capable of conducting atmospheric profiles from as low as 50 ft. to heights of up to 15,000 ft. above sea level. Weighing in at just 2.6 lbs, this UAS stands as the lightest platform ever used to successfully sample a tropical cyclone.
Remarkably, it completed a one-hour and 11-minute mission, making it the second longest air deployed UAS mission ever.
“Black Swift strives to solve some of the most difficult problems required to expand the use of UAS. It’s been amazing working with Dr. Cione, the P-3 team, and NOAA to build and deploy a platform that can gather data previously unavailable to forecasts from a critical part of the storm.”
-Jack Elston, CEO and Founder of Black Swift Technologies
Equipped with a suite of advanced payload instrumentation, including sensors for measuring atmospheric pressure, temperature, moisture, and 3-dimensional wind profiles, this UAS is poised to revolutionize our ability to monitor and understand the inner workings of tropical storms. These instruments provide invaluable data that can enhance forecast accuracy and improve our understanding of storm dynamics.
One of the most remarkable aspects of Black Swift Technologies’s air deployed S0 UAS is its versatility in data collection. Utilizing onboard programming and/or guidance from aircraft-based operators, it autonomously navigated through the heart of Tropical Storm Tammy, capturing crucial atmospheric data in real-time. This level of precision and control ensures that researchers have access to the most accurate and up-to-date information available.
This partnership marks a significant milestone in Black Swift Technologies ongoing efforts to advance atmospheric science and improve storm forecasting capabilities. By leveraging the latest advancements in drone technology, Black Swift Technology is pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with UAS technology.
To read the full story by NOAA, click here.