Some Behavior Characteristics of the Rawinsonde and AN/FPS-16 Radar when Used as Balloon Tracking Devices.

Nine balloon flights were made in which the balloon was tracked simultaneously by a GMD-1B and an FPS-16 radar. In seven of the flights two FPS-16s were used simultaneously with the GMD. Results obtained from these flights were examined in light of error models of these systems. Results were also examined as to their effects when applied to unguided rocket impact prediction. In agreement with theory the FPS-16 is shown to be a very accurate wind measuring system under all wind conditions while the GMD produces unrealistic profiles at the higher wind speeds. It is also shown that large dispersions in the predicted impact of unguided rockets can occur if the GMD is used to measure the wind profile used in the prediction.