SO-UAS

Accurate predictive modeling of certain atmospheric phenomena suffers from a dearth of information, largely due to the fact that the dynamic qualities of the phenomenon evade accurate data collection. In situ measurements are currently made through the use of balloon-borne soundings or dropsondes. Ground sensors such as radar or lidar installations have limited measurement density and provide only information about atmospheric boundary conditions. Balloon soundings can provide measurements over the entire vertical profile but are limited to sampling over a short period. In situ measurements can be augmented with satellite-based remote-sensing systems, such as ASTER, MODIS, AIRS, and OMI. However, satellite-based data suffer from their relatively low spatial density and limited frequency of measurement. A need exists for additional targeted in situ data, in a repeatable manner and using a recoverable vehicle, allowing for the integration of significantly more complicated sensors while maintaining a lower price point through reuse.

Unmanned aerial systems (UAS) provide instrument platforms that are able to operate in airspaces that are otherwise too difficult or hazardous for manned aircraft. In addition, small UAS are typically more economical to construct, operate, and maintain than manned systems or larger UAS. This makes the loss of aircraft more acceptable in some high-risk applications. Furthermore, the simultaneous deployment of multiple aircraft for improved temporal (flight scheduling) or spatial (formation flying) measurements can be more feasible with relatively low-cost UAS. Therefore, the use of UAS is well suited to making targeted, in situ measurements of atmospheric phenomenon to span the gaps in current data collection methods. These platforms have been shown to be capable of carrying a variety of sensors, including mass spectrometers, gas sensors, and basic atmospheric sensors. The wider use of these sensing capabilities is limited only by the current availability of airframes and avionics, which have not been designed for specific use in atmospheric sounding and so are overly complex to operate or incapable of operations in a high-wind environment.

BST proposes to modify our existing commercial S0-AD (Air Deployed) UAS, a system built to be air deployed into hurricanes, into a purpose-built vehicle for performing atmospheric soundings. Making use of the latest developments in wind velocity measurements, this UAS will be able to provide all of the necessary measurements for accurate modeling, while maintaining a compact form factor.  Given the vehicle will be purpose built for atmospheric sampling, the data products will be captured in standardized formats for quick assimilation into current models, and will feature control algorithms allowing for advanced mission profiles, including sensor reactive control. This will allow for the vehicle to obtain a unique data set, with sampling focused around the areas of interest, an advanced capability unavailable through any other current technology.  We have identified the requirements for each of these capabilities based on anticipated customers and end users, allowing the work at the ARM facility to validate that the intended commercial system is capable of accurate measurements that meet both industry and DOD needs.

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