Flight Testing Fixed-Wing and Rotary-Wing UAVs for Atmospheric Boundary Layer Research

Current methods for atmospheric measurements, such as radiosondes, have limitations in providing accurate data collection in Earth’s atmospheric boundary layer. Technology has presented scientists with the opportunity to replace traditional weather and climate data gathering with the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV). In this study, we have flight tested and evaluated two UAV types, fixed-wing and the rotary-wing, as reusable substitutes for the single-use balloon-borne radiosondes. The rotary-wing UAV, Meteomatics Meteodrone SSE, obtained vertical profile measurements of temperature, humidity, mean wind, and turbulence. The fixed-wing UAV, Blackswift Technologies S2, gathered the identical atmospheric properties in a vertical up-and-down spiral flight. Measurements will be compared and possible issues relating to flow disturbances, vibration and heat conduction identified. The use of autonomous UAVs for routine National Weather Service measurements in the lower atmosphere is predicted to lead to cost savings, larger payload capabilities, and higher resolution data.