Research application of the novel multi sensor dropsonde for HALO for investigation of cyclones and embedded convection causing high impact weather in the Mediterranean
Final Report Abstract
Within this project the IMK-TRO developed a new multi-sensor dropsonde system "KITsonde" for high and fast-flying research aircraft such as HALO. The new KITsonde is designed for high resolution measurements with up to 30 simultaneous active probes to win spatially and temporally especially high resolved measurements in the region of inhomogeneous zones of the atmosphere, such as convective cells, MCS or cyclones. The new concept of using a release container to separate the sensors from the rigid housing needed for protection during the launch from the aircraft opens access to new types of sensors and communication methods and gives unprecedented flexibility. Depending on the budget and the meteorological situation one to four meteorological standard probes can be launched at the same time. Large individual parachutes allow slow fall speeds and very high vertical resolution of up to 3m. In the basic version they provide profile measurements of pressure, humidity, temperature and wind. This data can be made available worldwide immediately if necessary through a direct satellite link to the probe. New sensors developments can be easily integrated as it was successfully demonstrated with a particle spectrometer within the collaboration of KIT with the University of Hertfordshire. KITsonde was successfully tested aboard a Dornier 128-6 research aircraft during the non-availability phase of HALO. In June 2014 and April 2015 flight tests for certification on HALO were performed. Data acquisition and sondes proved their functionality and showed good accuracy. The structural deficits of the release container detected during the first test aboard HALO are solved, but the release mechanism of the parachute needs a second redesign. A further test with an improved KITsonde-container will be conducted with a Learjet und later with the UK FAAM aircraft BAe 146 before another expensive flight test aboard HALO. The first operational use of the KITsonde on HALO is now scheduled within the campaign WISE during late summer 2017.
Publications
-
(2009, September). A novel modular multi-sensor dropsonde system for high resolution measurements. In 9th EMS Annual Meeting, 9th European Conference on Applications of Meteorology (ECAM) Abstracts, Sept. 28-Oct. 2, 2009 in Toulouse, France (Vol. 1, p. 396)
Wieser, A., Franke, H., Fütterer, D., Hankers, R., Kottmeier, C., & Corsmeier, U.
-
(2014). Dust layer profiling using an aerosol dropsonde. DUST2014 - International Conference on Atmospheric Dust. 2014, 1-6 June in Bari, Italy
Ulanowski, Z., Kaye, P. H., Hirst, E., Wieser, A., & Stanley, W.
-
(2015, April). Cloud characterization using a particle-counter dropsonde. In EGU General Assembly Conference Abstracts (Vol. 17, p. 13894)
Ulanowski, Z., Kaye, P. H., Hirst, E., Wieser, A., & Stanley, W.
-
(2015, April). Dust layer profiling using an aerosol dropsonde. In EGU General Assembly Conference Abstracts (Vol. 17, p. 13873)
Ulanowski, Z., Kaye, P. H., Hirst, E., Wieser, A., & Stanley, W.
-
KITsonde. Modular Multi-Sensor Dropsonde for High Resolution Measurements. 94th AMS Ann. Meet. 2015, 4-8 January, Atlanta
Wieser A., Corsmeier U., F., Kottmeier C., Feuerle, T.
