Recently developed UAS capable of reliably obtaining meteorological observations present significant potential benefits for operational forecasters, atmospheric researchers, and the general public they serve. Technological advancements to UAS aircraft design and avionics systems have led to rugged, stable observation platforms, enabling the integration of scientific grade atmospheric sensors, reducing costs and providing capability to observe in otherwise challenging and underobserved regions and conditions. At NSSL, we use purpose-built weather-sensing UAS to collect data that can enhance our mission goals, including near severe storms. Primarily focused on vertical profiling, we work to determine how UAS observations can be used by researchers, in operations, and in numerical modeling applications. We also develop weather-sensing UAS platforms, observing technology, and operations methods that serve NSSL and NOAA mission goals.
Equipment
The CopterSonde is a weather-sensing UAS developed at the University of Oklahoma for the observation of lower atmospheric conditions. Detailed technical information about the CopterSonde design is available in the US Patent documentation and in Segales et al (2020). The original model CopterSonde UAS was designed with the express purpose of sampling the thermodynamic and kinematic state in the lower levels of the Earth’s atmosphere, primarily as a vertical profiling platform. Development has continued to perfect and enhance this capability. It provides the same information as a radiosonde, but is reusable, can be deployed rapidly and frequently, its sampling location can be controlled. The CopterSonde primarily samples T, RH, and P, and derives wind speed and wind direction based on the tilt angle information from the UAS itself.
CopterSonde-SWX-Q
The CopterSonde-SWX-Q is the next generation of CopterSonde technology. Developed under a research and development project supported by NOAA’s Office of Marine and Aviation Operations, the CopterSonde-3D platform was engineered to support NSSL mission goals; specifically increased wind speed tolerance and longer flight duration to increase maximum ceilings. The resulting platform is capable of 15 minute flights (same flight duration) but is more powerful. Maximum ceilings in real operations is yet to be determined. It can operate in up to 33 m/s (75 mph) winds––that’s Category 1 hurricane winds!
CopterSonde-3D
The CopterSonde-3D has undergone NOAA Airworthiness tests, and is cleared to fly on NOAA projects. This platform has flown during several projects including VORTEX-USA/PERiLS 2022-2023. The UAS can complete profiles based on pre-planned missions with auto-takeoff and auto-landing capabilities. It has a typical 15 min flight duration, which supports flights up to approximately 1.5 km or 5000 ft above the surface. The UAS can operate in winds up to 22 m/s (50 mph) before triggering automatic landing. This version of the CopterSonde has been licensed by International Met Systems from the University of Oklahoma, and is commercialized as the CopterSonde3.