Trio Of Aircraft Used In Climate Research

Scientists at Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego have been using a fleet of Manta autonomous UAVs to track pollution and atmospheric data over the skies of Southern California.  The California AUAV Air Pollution Profiling Study (CAPPS) program is the latest in a series of science missions using UAS around the world.

The CAPPS began data collection on April 2, gathering a suite of meteorological data as they fly through clouds and aerosol masses in Southern California skies. When flying in formation, the aircraft can provide researchers with a unique three-dimensional view of atmospheric composition.

Miniaturized instruments on the aircraft, which typically flew in formations of three, measured a range of properties such as the quantity and size of the aerosols on which cloud droplets form. The instruments also recorded variables such as temperature, humidity and the intensity of light that permeates clouds and masses of smog. These comprehensive measurements were made at a very low cost when compared to traditional manned flights.

Technicians prepare the Manta for launch at Edwards AFB.

The Manta is one of several UAS produced by Advanced Ceramics Research in Tucson, AZ, now a part of BAE Systems.  Manta can carry a 15-lb payload for up to 6 hrs with a typical service altitude of 2,000-12,000 ft.  The aircraft have been deploying from NASA's Dryden Flight Research Center at Edwards AFB

Scripps researches hope to fly the system at least once a month to monitor Southern CA skies.  Future applications include real-time situational awareness during forest fires.

FMI: www.ARCTucson.com, sio.ucsd.edu