AIR-LAUNCHED WINDSONDE

reportActive / Technical Report | Accession Number: AD0694498 | Open PDF

Abstract:

An air- dropped, instrumented sonde for measuring wind profiles has been developed. It requires no tracking, no aircraft loitering, and is relatively inexpensive. The instrument is essentially an arrow-shaped sonde that remains at zero angle of attack during descent. Wind direction and velocity are inferred from orientation of the sonde axis with respect to vertical and magnetic north. An air-bearing gyroscope and a magnetometer are used to measure this orientation. Performance of the sonde has been verified through both balloon-launched and aircraft-launched test series. Balloon launchings provided preliminary test results indicating that the concept was viable and also indicating areas of improvement required to eliminate intermodulation problems within the sonde electronics. Aircraft launchings provided wind data that compared favorably with concurrent radiosonde measurements.

Author(s):
Rohrbough, Stephen F. ; Koehler, Lyle E.
Author Organization(s):
HONEYWELL INC ST PAUL MN RESEARCH DEPT
Descriptive Note:
Final rept. 15 Jun 1966-30 Jun 1969
Supplementary Note:
DOI: 10.21236/AD0694498
Pagination:
0087

Security Markings

DOCUMENT & CONTEXTUAL SUMMARY

Distribution:
Approved For Public Release
Distribution Statement:
Approved For Public Release; Distribution Is Unlimited.

RECORD

Collection: TR
Identifying Numbers
Report Number(s):
12042-FR1, AFCRL-69-0375
Contract/Grant Number(s):
AF 19(628)-6082
Task Number(s):
667002
Project Number(s):
AF-6670
Monitor Series:
69-0375, AFCRL
 Subject Terms
Joint Capability Areas:
JCA_3.1.1_Maneuver to Engage; JCA_3.1_Maneuver; JCA_3_Force Application; JCA_7.2.1_Mitigate Lethal Effects; JCA_7.2_Mitigate; JCA_7_Protection; JCA_5_Command and Control; JCA_6.1.3_Switching and Routing; JCA_6.1_Information Transport; JCA_6_Net Centric; JCA_5.3_Planning; JCA_8.2_Shape; JCA_8_Building Partnerships; JCA_1.2_Force Preparation; JCA_1_Force Support; JCA_5.4_Decide; JCA_5.4.3_Establish Rule Sets; JCA_8.2.4_Leverage Capacities and Capabilities of Security Establishments; JCA_4.1_Deployment and Distribution; JCA_5.5.2_Task; JCA_5.5_Direct
Modernization Areas:
Microelectronics; Fully Networked C3
Communities of Interest:
Air Platforms
Descriptor(s):
*WIND, *RADIOSONDES, *WEATHER FORECASTING, DETECTORS, ATMOSPHERIC SOUNDING, AIR TO AIR, LAUNCHING, ATTITUDE CONTROL SYSTEMS, MEASUREMENT, FLIGHT TESTING
Field(s)/Group(s):
Meteorology
Keyword(s):
PROFILES, WIND, WU66700101
Report Date:
1969 Aug 29