Use of Unmanned Aircraft Systems

NOAA Pursues Using Pilotless Craft to Gather Important Weather Data

Jan 23, 2008 Alan Sorum

Unmanned aircraft systems offer scientific researchers a new way to gather important data that does not put aircraft crews at risk

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is researching the use of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) carrying sophisticated senor equipment to gather vital weather and climate related data. Missions on tap include predicting hurricane intensity, documenting melting package in the arctic, and study of Pacific storms that bring heavy rains to the west coast. In a press release announcing grant funding for continued UAS research, Earth System Laboratory Research Scientist Marty Ralph says, "This technology has the potential to revolutionize our monitoring of the entire Earth. Data gathered by unmanned aircraft can help us understand how humans are affecting the planet and how we might mitigate the impacts of natural disasters resulting from severe weather and climate."

Advantages of Unmanned Aircraft - Unmanned aircraft can be used in a number of situations were it would be dangerous or arduous for flight crews to complete a research mission. Missions in this vein could entail flights into volcanic plumes, over forest fires, at low levels within hurricanes, and long distance flights that could remain over a location of interest for several days. UAS craft can be launched from ocean going vessels to greatly expand their observation area.

Upcoming UAS Missions:

Hurricane Measurements - NOAA will be using UAS technology to send small, unmanned aircraft into the centers of Atlantic and Caribbean hurricanes at low altitude between the beginning of August until the end of October. Low-level flight into hurricanes is to risky for aircrew members. Information collected will help determine maximum storm speeds and better understand hurricane physics. This data should help improve forecasts of hurricane intensity.
UAS Use in the Arctic - NOAA plans to use UAS craft in conjunction with Global Earth Observing System (GEOS) satellites to better monitor arctic climate conditions. Information gathered will include measurements of sea ice, airborne particulates, and snow cover. Developing accurate climate data assists with refining global warming computer models. Researchers propose to track the numbers and locations of wildlife like seals.
Pacific Coast Storms - In the spring, NOAA researchers are planning UAS flights into major ocean borne weather systems in the Pacific that can bring tremendous amounts of rain to the west coast. Information developed could help weather forecasters do a better job of predicting rainfall and allow water resource managers to make better decisions like adjustments in reservoir levels.

NOAA researchers have identified many opportunities for use of unmanned aircraft systems. Other future efforts will focus on fisheries assessments, fishery enforcement, protection of marine sanctuaries, and overall improvements in weather forecasting across the country.

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