Pioneering Atmospheric Measurement for Five Decades
SPEC has been at the forefront of developing advanced airborne instrumentation for atmospheric and cloud physics research since 1979. Beginning as Stratton Park Engineering Company and based in Boulder, Colorado, SPEC’s mission is to equip the scientific community with the tools needed to understand clouds, precipitation and the processes driving weather and climate. We combine engineering innovation with scientific insight to provide the most advanced airborne instruments for cloud and precipitation research.
- Over five decades of instrumentation leadership
- Proven expertise in both research and operational environments
- A trusted partner for universities, agencies and private sector research initiatives
The Leader in the Field
Our instruments are used worldwide to measure droplet and ice particle size distributions, capture high-resolution imagery of hydrometeors and advance research in cloud microphysics, precipitation and atmospheric dynamics.
A Proven Track Record
SPEC has participated in more than 100 international field campaigns and major research programs, contributing data that underpins scientific understanding and policy decisions. Highlights include:
- NASA Global Hawk Campaigns – Development and deployment of the Hawkeye probe for high-altitude, long-duration missions.
- NSF/NCAR Field Projects – Extensive use of 2D-S and CPI instruments on the Gulfstream V and C-130 aircraft.
- International Collaborations – Contributions to research in the Arctic, Tropics and mid-latitudes with instruments on European, Asian and South American research aircraft.
- Radar & Satellite Validation – Providing in situ measurements to validate global precipitation monitoring missions.
