HALAS: High Altitude Atmospheric Sensing

Michigan Aerospace Corporation (MAC) has developed an integrated, long-range wind, density, and temperature measurement instrument capable of providing a critical real-time meteorological assessment in the troposphere and stratosphere (up to approximately 250 kft). The High Altitude LIDAR Atmospheric Sensing instrument (HALAS) is composed of an ultraviolet-based direct detection LIDAR (light detection and ranging) system for wind velocity and direction, density and temperature measurements, combined with a Raman channel to measure nitrogen and oxygen concentration. HALAS is based on the proven direct detection LIDAR technology developed and demonstrated by Michigan Aerospace. The first phase of this project included a preliminary demonstration with the direct detection LIDAR system operating on Mauna Loa in Hawaii, developed with NOAA support in partnership between MAC and the University of New Hampshire. This direct detection LIDAR delivered reliable wind and density measurements up to altitudes of 20 km. In the second phase of this project, the HALAS instrument, designed as a mobile platform, acquired long range high attitude data of wind velocity and direction, density and temperature for the AHW-2 mission. Results from the demonstration phase and test phase will be presented.

Distribution is Unlimited. Approved for public release, AEDC PA 2014-151.