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Improved sampling of the atmospheric boundary layer using small unmanned aircraft systems: results from the Avon Park Experiment
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2019
[PDF-2.31 MB]
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Description:Earth’s atmospheric boundary layer (ABL) has traditionally been difficult to sample, yet adequate characterizations of it are essential to weather forecasting. In recent years, small unmanned aircraft systems (sUASs) have begun to be used to sample the ABL. Current regulations allow for sUAS to be operated by NOAA within visual line-of-sight (VLOS) up to 365 m (1200 ft) above ground level (AGL) outside of five nautical miles from airports. However, obtaining information above 1200 ft AGL is essential if sUAS are to be used to support weather forecasting operations. Transitioning sUAS into forecast operations will also require operating sUAS beyond visual line of site (BLVOS). To support this effort, scientists and engineers from the NOAA Air Resources Laboratory (ARL) Atmospheric Turbulence and Diffusion Division (ATDD) conducted an experiment on 4-6 March 2019 near Avon Park, FL with two of its sUAS: a Meteomatics Meteodrone SSE and a BlackSwift Technologies S2. The team also deployed a ground-based radar system integrated with geospatial software to determine its ability to mitigate potential threats to the sUASs by targets within the airspace. During the testing period, the team performed 17 flights with the Meteodrone and 7 flights with the S2. During all tests, the ground-based radar system was able to detect both the Meteodrone and S2, as well as other air traffic in the area. Overall, this experiment was an important step towards operation of sUAS to higher altitudes to ultimately allow them to support operational weather forecasting.
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Rights Information:CC0 Public Domain
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