Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
Mesoscale Predictability ExperimentMPEX
National Center for Atmospheric Research
Research Aviation Facility
MPEX Overview
• 15 May – 15 Jun 2013• ≈ 12 Flights 7 hrs duration• High Altitude FL 400 – FL 410• Early Morning Operations– 0900 – 1600Z
• ≈ 30 Drop Sondes Each Flight• Predefined Drop Points
MPEX Area of Interest
4
• Single Aircraft• RVSM Certified• Research Speed Mach .80
N677F
MPEX Research Aircraft
MPEXGeneral Science Objective
• Improved forecast of the timing and location of convection initiation and the development of severe thunderstorms or storm complexes to the lee of the Rocky Mountains onto the High Plains within the MPEX domain
MPEX Measurement Strategy
• Use numerical models and observations to forecast a region within MPEX domain that would benefit from added soundings through the atmosphere
• Select subset (30-40) of available pre-defined drop points and fly late night N677F missions
• Launch 30-40 dropsonde from aircraft to measure winds, temperature and moisture
• Send these data to National Weather Service and researchers in real-time for use in operational and research models and by forecasters
• Evaluate improvement in severe weather forecasts within the MPEX domain
Airborne Vertical Atmospheric Profiling System(AVAPS)
Drop Sonde System
FAR Applicability
• No Specific “Drop Sonde” Guidance but……..• Subchapter F Subpart A: General Applicability
Unmanned Aerial balloons – 101.1 Carries a payload package that weighs more than
four pounds and has a weight/size ratio of more than 3 oz per square inch on any surface of the package, determined by dividing the total weight in oz of the payload package by the area in square inches of its smallest surface.
Old Drop Sonde
3.02 oz per sq inch 13.7 oz Overall
AVAPS SONDE
2.5 oz per sq inch 5.89 oz Overall
Drop Sonde Comparability
Length Diameter Weight
Old Sonde 16” 2.75” 13.7 Oz
New Sonde (AVAPS)
12” 1.875” 5.89 Oz
Sonde Evolution
AVAPS
Sonde Fall Time
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 160
10,000
20,000
30,000
40,000
50,000
60,000
Mini SondeFall Time vs Altitude
Fall Time (minutes)
Drop
Alti
tude
(Fee
t)
Sonde Descent Velocity
2,000 2,500 3,000 3,500 4,000 4,500 5,000 5,500 6,0000
5000
10000
15000
20000
25000
30000
35000
40000
45000
50000
Mini SondeDescent Velocity vs Altitude
Vertical Velocity (ft/min)
Altit
ude
(feet
)
Data From NASA Global Hawk(Distribution of horizontal distance traveled by
sondes from drop point)
Weather Balloon Contrast
NWS Weather Balloon “Upsonde””
Upsonde Comparison
• Similar Weight as AVAPS Dropsonde• Ascends to Approx 100,000 ft• Balloon Bursts Allowing Sonde to Descend via
parachute• Similar Descent Rate as AVAPS Drop Sonde • 180 NM Drift vs AVAPS 26 NM Max Drift• Over 6,000 Upsondes per Month Launched in
USA• Only 300 AVAPS Sondes During MPEX
Overall Drop Points
• 102 Total Points• Defined by Intersection or Radial/DME
Denver Center
Albuquerque Center
Kansas City Center
Minneapolis Center
Salt Lake Center
Example Flight Plan
Example Flight Plan
FAR 91.15
“No pilot in command of a civil aircraft may allow any object to be dropped from that aircraft in flight that creates a hazard to persons or property. However, this section does not prohibit the dropping of any object if reasonable precautions are taken to avoid injury or damage to persons or property.”
Reasonable Precautions
• Utilize ITT Exelis Symphony Air Traffic Management System
ITT Exelis
• Near “Real-Time” Web Based Application• Accessible Onboard the Aircraft• Dedicated Operator During Flight
Reasonable Precautions (cont.)
• Aircraft TCAS• Strategic Drop Point Placement (Deconfliction)– Major Airports– Approach Facilities and Corridors– Cities– Sensitive Ground Areas (e.g. Indian Reservations)
Reasonable Precautions (cont)
• ATC – Normal Traffic Advisories
• Miniaturized Drop Sonde Design• Drop Time of Day– Early Morning (3 AM – 9 AM)
Operations
• Responsibility Rests With the Pilot in Command and NCAR
• Not Seeking Drop “Clearance” from Any Controller
• Will Cease Operations Anytime When Directed by ATC
• Will Immediately Follow ATC Instructions
Coordination Procedures
• Flt plans Normally Filed NLT 2 hrs prior • Flight Plan Remarks• Briefing Books for All Centers– Drop Points – Intersections, Radial DME and
Coordinates– Will Always File with Intersection or Radial/DME
Letter of No Objection
• Preflight Telephone Coordination?– Required Timelines
• Finalized Flight Plan Drop Points– Required Timelines
• NOTAMS?– Required Timelines
• Required Radio Calls?
Questions?Discussion
