SAN CLEMENTE, CA, Sep 18, 2025 – Swift Engineering’s SULE (Swift Ultra Long Endurance) aircraft reached an altitude of 67,000 ft. MSL (Mean Sea Level) on July 26, 2025. The 24-hour flight shows how long-endurance aircraft can support scientific research, environmental monitoring, and defense and aerospace missions. SULE took off from and landed at Spaceport America in New Mexico. The flight set a new altitude record surpassing its previous of 55,904 feet.
Swift Engineering is taking part in a two-year program with NASA to develop unmanned aircraft with longer endurance, lower costs, and improved data collection. It received a Phase II award to support SULE design, fabrication, and flight testing.
“We are very proud of the recognition and support for the SULE platform that we’ve received from NASA,” said Hamed Khalkhali, president of Swift Engineering. “NASA sees clear and compelling benefits that will accrue from the development of these high-altitude, unmanned vehicles for a range of applications including the monitoring of ecological changes, research on climate patterns and enhanced emergency management.”
The Swift suite of UAS (Unmanned Aircraft Systems) spans the shorter range, VTOL (Vertical Take-off and Landing) Swift Crane to the longer range, gas-powered Swift Accipiter suitable for military and law enforcement applications.
SULE is designed for long-range, long-endurance missions, with a 72-foot wingspan and a 15-pound payload capacity. It can serve as a communications relay for other Swift platforms and extend awareness beyond the reach of the Swift Crane and Accipiter systems.
Source: Swift Engineering
About Swift Engineering
Founded in 1983 and headquartered in San Clemente, CA, Swift Engineering is an engineering firm specializing in the design, development, and production of advanced vehicles and systems for aerospace, defense, maritime, industrial, and commercial sectors. A Hiro Matsushita company, Swift employs about 500 people and generates an estimated $163M in annual revenue. Its capabilities include autonomous systems, robotics, uncrewed aerial systems, spacecraft components, and advanced composite manufacturing, with more than 500 vehicles and integrated systems delivered to clients worldwide. The company provides end-to-end engineering, manufacturing, and product development services, from concept to market, including R&D, build-to-print contract manufacturing, and custom precision manufacturing. Products range from unmanned tactical systems and maritime data collection platforms to robotics and 24/7 persistent monitoring solutions. Leveraging in-house capabilities for rapid prototyping, testing, and deployment, Swift supports both government and commercial customers in delivering complex, high-performance systems on time and to specification.