NOAA and Black Swift Stack Drone Altitudes for 3D Hurricane Data

NOAA and Black Swift Technologies have demonstrated simultaneous dual-altitude drone flight during an operational hurricane mission for the first time. The technique, coined Mobile Ocean Towers, flies two Black Swift S0 uncrewed aircraft at different altitudes within a storm to build a three-dimensional view of its structure. Deployed during Hurricane Lala, the aircraft also achieved a record 136-minute flight and sustained flying at just 10 metres above the sea surface, revealing critical ocean-atmosphere interaction data.

 

The Technical Achievement

 

NOAA has reached a milestone in hurricane observation technology. It demonstrated simultaneous dual-altitude drone flight for the first time. This occurred during an operational hurricane mission. The work was carried out with Black Swift Technologies. It represents the latest advance in using small uncrewed aircraft in storms.

The capability has been given a distinct name. It is coined Mobile Ocean Towers. The technique flies two S0 aircraft simultaneously at different altitudes. These operate within the storm alongside the crewed Hurricane Hunter aircraft. This allows data collection across multiple atmospheric levels.

 

Building a Three-Dimensional View

 

The technique offers a new perspective on storm structure. Collecting data at multiple levels provides a three-dimensional view. This shows how storm dynamics change with altitude. It captures conditions from the ocean surface to higher altitudes. This offers fresh insights into storm structure.

This vertical profiling addresses a longstanding gap. Traditional methods often capture data at limited levels. Simultaneous multi-altitude sampling reveals more complete storm dynamics. This helps scientists understand how storms behave vertically. The three-dimensional view is central to the technique's value.

 

Two Sampling Modes

 

The aircraft operated in two distinct modes during deployment. The first is a Lagrangian approach. In this mode, the stacked aircraft fly along the wind flow. They collect data in tandem around the eyewall. This follows the storm's natural air movement.

The second mode offers a different capability. Using the Eulerian technique, the aircraft turn into the wind. This keeps them virtually stationary in a fixed position. It functions like a virtual anchor used by boats. This allows scientists to lock onto specific storm features for detailed data.

 

Real-Time Coordination

 

The deployment featured close operational coordination. Real-time communications linked the aircraft operators and forecasters. The operators were onboard the P-3 Hurricane Hunter. Forecasters were at the National Hurricane Center in Miami. This connection enabled dynamic mission adjustments.

This coordination enhanced the value of the data. Forecasters could request the aircraft target distinct storm areas. They used both sampling methods for these requests. Close proximity to the aircraft also aided data transmission. It allowed strategic flyovers to increase data density and validation.

 

Read More: Sharks Fitted With Sensors to Improve Hurricane Intensity Predictions

 

Record-Breaking Deployments

 

The Hurricane Lala deployments set notable records. One aircraft achieved a 136-minute flight into a storm. This was a record-breaking flight duration for the platform. It demonstrated the endurance of the aircraft in severe conditions. This sustained flight expanded data collection capability.

The deployments also reached remarkable low altitudes. A mini radar helped control elevation during low-altitude flights. This made possible sustained flying at just 10 metres above sea level. Flying this low revealed wave characteristics in detail. It captured critical data on ocean-atmosphere interactions.

 

The Sensor Capabilities

 

The aircraft carry a comprehensive sensor suite. They measure air pressure, temperature and relative humidity. Wind speed, direction and turbulence are also recorded. This provides detailed atmospheric data throughout the flight. The sensors maximise data transmitted during operations.

Additional sensors activate in specific conditions. When flying in the marine boundary layer, further measurements are taken. These include sea surface temperature and wave height. This adds ocean data to the atmospheric measurements. Together they capture the full air-sea interface.

 

Significance and Development

 

The capability represents years of careful preparation. It is the culmination of meticulous planning and coordination. Multiple partners contributed to the development. These included NOAA divisions and academic partners. Test flights over the Atlantic took place in early 2026.

The technology offers significant benefits for forecasting. Uncrewed aircraft reach hazardous storm regions safely. They access areas crewed aircraft cannot safely sample. The high-density data was transmitted to forecast visualisation tools. This is a crucial step toward integrating the data into hurricane prediction models.