Remote, Near Real Time Monitoring of Measurements on the WP-3D During the ITCT 2k2 Study

A system was developed to transmit and display in near real time several aircraft and chemical measurements on the WP-3D during the ITCT 2k2 field campaign. The ability to monitor system performance remotely and in near real time provided important benefits. Most importantly, scientists not on board the plane were able to monitor the status and behavior of their instruments, which resulted in shorter downtime to troubleshoot and fix anomalous instrument behavior. Secondly, modelers and flight planners were given timely feedback regarding the location and magnitude of measured pollutants. This information assisted in the planning of sequential flights and in determining if mid-flight alterations of the flight plan were prudent. The remotely monitored parameters included aircraft latitude, longitude, altitude, temperature, relative humidity, aerosol density, and CO, O₃, NO, NO₂, NO_y, HNO₃, and SO₂ concentrations. The system was devised to allow for quick and simple expansion of parameters. Key components and performance characteristics of this system will be detailed.