Evaluation of low altitude rocket dropsondes for shipboard atmospheric profiling and electromagnetic propagation assessment
Loading...
Authors
Baldauf, Brian Keith
Subjects
Environmental Data
Radio Physical Optics
Radar Performance Prediction
Radiosonde
Refraction
Rocketsonde
SHAREM 110
Surface Based Duct
Radio Physical Optics
Radar Performance Prediction
Radiosonde
Refraction
Rocketsonde
SHAREM 110
Surface Based Duct
Advisors
Davidson, Kenneth L.
Wash, Carlyle H.
Date of Issue
1996-12
Date
December 1996
Publisher
Monterey, California. Naval Postgraduate School
Language
en_US
Abstract
A study was performed on two measurement systems used to obtain profiles of refraction from a ship; the radiosonde and the rocketsonde. Refractive conditions measured by the Marwin Rawinsonde Set (MRS) utilizing radiosondes launched from U.S. Navy ships can yield misleading modified refractivity (M) versus height profiles. MRS obtained M unit profiles, when incorporated in propagation loss models such as Radio Physical Optics (RPO), also may produce unrepresentative propagation loss assessments. Rocketsonde obtained environmental parameters (temperature, relative humidity, pressure) are measured away from the ships influence. The ship can modify the environmental parameters and affect temperatures by as much as 3 deg C. Rocketsonde obtained data yield improved fine scale vertical resolution. Resolution approaching 5m obtained via rocketsondes is found to most closely resemble the actual environment. Rocketsonde data is available down to the near surface whereas there is a distinct lack of data from the surface to the launch point when utilizing balloon launched radiosondes. Inaccuracies in initial surface data drastically impact refractive profiles. Rocketsondes can be used regardless of sea state or wind conditions onboard ship and require no specific ship maneuvering to safely launch. It is found that the rocketsonde can obtain the requisite environmental parameters for refractive assessment on demand in less than half the time required to prepare and launch a balloon guided radiosonde.
Type
Thesis
Description
Series/Report No
Department
Meteorology
Organization
Naval Postgraduate School
Identifiers
NPS Report Number
Sponsors
Funding
Format
viii, 149 p.
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.