An analysis of meteorological measurements using a miniature quad-rotor unmanned aerial system
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Authors
Machado, Christopher R.
Subjects
Quad-rotor
Surface Layer
Error Analysis
Atmospheric Temperature Profile
UAS
sUAS
Surface Layer
Error Analysis
Atmospheric Temperature Profile
UAS
sUAS
Advisors
Guest, Peter S.
Goroch, Andrea K.
Date of Issue
2015-06
Date
Jun-15
Publisher
Monterey, California. Naval Postgraduate School
Language
Abstract
Naval operational weather products, especially EM prediction, often fail to capture key meteorological features in the boundary layer due to the absence of high-resolution profile data. Quad-rotor sUAS with meteorological sensing capabilities may provide a solution for acquiring vertical profile data at sea. With the use of an RS92 radiosonde, InstantEye small Unmanned Aerial System (sUAS), and a calibrated sensing tower we analyzed the effects a quad-rotor had on the accuracy of temperature and pressure profiles in the surface layer. In unstable atmospheres temperature measurements made in the surface layer are as accurate as the manufacturers claimed accuracy. In stable atmospheres mixing occurs below 1.3 m, and above 2 m sampled air comes from as much as 2 m aloft. The InstantEye’s rotors contribute to the variation in temperature measurement, and this effect is strongest near the surface. The variations introduced by the prop-wash helped suppress natural variations from turbulent fluctuations, but are still present above the surface layer. The InstantEye also introduces a 0.12 hPa pressure bias while in flight due to rotor-induced lift.
Type
Thesis
Description
Series/Report No
Department
Meteorology
Meteorology
Organization
Identifiers
NPS Report Number
Sponsors
Funder
Format
Citation
Distribution Statement
Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.
Rights
This publication is a work of the U.S. Government as defined in Title 17, United States Code, Section 101. Copyright protection is not available for this work in the United States.