Black Swift Technologies has been awarded a USAF contract to develop an unmanned aircraft system called the Black Swift SØ to conduct atmospheric profiling and improve weather forecasts. The SØ can quickly climb to 15,000 feet, conduct rapid ascents and descents to capture wind profiles, and has a 90-minute flight time. It uses automated sampling and modular sensors to conduct "launch-and-forget" atmospheric data collection missions. The SØ is designed to provide cost-effective and accurate weather data to support cargo drops and operations for the Air Force, Army and Special Operations Forces.