CopterSonde Severe Weather (SWX): An Enhanced UAS-based High Wind Profiler

The use of Uncrewed Aerial Systems (UAS) in atmospheric research has advanced significantly, offering valuable high-resolution data that contribute to more accurate weather model forecasts. However, as UAS technology continues to evolve, there is a growing need to evaluate these systems in the challenging conditions of severe weather events. Severe storms, characterized by high wind speeds, create unique operational challenges for UAS, particularly when performing vertical atmospheric profiling at higher altitudes.

The CopterSonde SWX was specifically designed to function in such extreme conditions, with this study focusing on its performance under severe weather to assess its effectiveness and durability. The goal is to understand the requirements for a cost-effective weather UAS that can reliably meet operational demands and suggest platform design guidelines for observations near severe storms. One of the main limitations of current UAS technology is battery power density, which restricts flight endurance. Although the CopterSonde SWX prioritizes top speed performance over extended flight duration, advancements in battery technology are expected to allow future improvements in flight time without sacrificing wind tolerance and overall performance.

Key to the CopterSonde SWX's capability is its Wind Vane Flight Mode (WVFM), which ensures stability and precision in high winds. Its streamlined design minimizes air resistance, and the upward-tilted body configuration enhances top speed and wind tolerance. These features also improve wind estimation by reducing nonlinearity at low wind speeds. By testing the limits of the CopterSonde SWX, this research aims to further develop a reliable weather UAS for use in extreme weather conditions.