The Test of New Mini AXBT and its Possible Mission in Typhoon Surveillance Flight at Western Pacific

A mini type of AXBT (airborne expendable bathythermograph), similar size of Vaisala RD94 dropsonde, is designed by Taiwan researchers and keeps testing from 2013 to 2014. This mini AXBT (called DORIS) will be delivered into the open ocean from Vaisala EM122 dropsonde launcher in Gulfstream-100 jet which serves dropsonde typhoon surveillance flights for 10 years in western Pacific region. DORIS mini AXBT weights near 1 kg including 500m length of signal wire probe, parachute, Iridium satellite communication module and battery package. It is expected to a short-term drifter, too. This study will shows the updated feature of DORIS and its water drop test in swimming pool in 2013. The schedule of field test over ocean by TORI (Taiwan Ocean Research Institute) Ocean Research Vessel 5 and airborne drop test is arranged in the spring of 2014.