766 Use of a Dropsonde Sensor Module as a UAV Measurement Platform

Tuesday, 8 January 2019
Hall 4 (Phoenix Convention Center - West and North Buildings)
Chris Vagasky, Vaisala, Inc., Louisville, CO; and M. Krapu

Radiosondes and dropsondes have traditionally been used to measure profiles of the atmosphere with fast response pressure, temperature, and humidity sensors. It seems a natural extension to consider the use of these sensors on UAV technology for controlled flight measurements.

This poster introduces the RSS421 dropsonde module and explores its potential uses as a sensor for UAV measurements. The RSS421 consists of the same sensors used in the RS41-SGP radiosonde and RD41 dropsonde. These sensors include a platinum thermistor, Humicap capacitive humidity sensor, and Barocap silicon pressure sensor.

In addition, we discuss some challenges associated with using a sensor on UAV platforms, including how to account for interactions between the UAV and the sensor, and how to maintain the accuracy of the sensor across multiple flights.

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