Mon, Jan 11, 2010
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.
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