Scalable Long Endurance Autonomous Drone Platforms for Atmospheric Observations
Abstract
Autonomous drone platforms promise to revolutionize weather and climate observations in a way not seen since the launch of satellite systems over 50 years ago. Unlike satellite technologies, drones enable data measurements at very small scales with high spatiotemporal resolution. Additionally, distributed networks of autonomous drones offer an economical approach to gathering such localized data over geographically large areas, both on land and water. Creare is actively developing systems to meet the needs of existing and emerging atmospheric science missions utilizing novel fixed-wing vertical and takeoff landing (VTOL) systems, and combined fixed-wing VTOL systems. The fixed-wing design increase flight range and endurance by three to five times compared to standard multirotor systems, while the VTOL capabilities reduce logistics challenges associated with launch and recovery of the aircraft. Creare's drones range from small electric platforms weighing less than one pound with flight times of one hour to 55 pound fuel-powered platforms with multiday flight endurance. Applications for Creare's small drones include measurement of high-frequency turbulent air around structures, marine boundary layer measurements, and atmospheric profiling to altitudes over 20,000 feet. The use of larger systems, both electric and fuel powered, has focused on specialized missions with 15 to 25 pound payloads, such as aerosol sensors. Creare designs drones starting from an initial concept with first-order models through detailed design using finite element analysis, computational fluid dynamics models, and on-site experimental facilities for validation data. Development work also includes design of atmospheric sensor packages, integration of sensors with the drone systems, and calibration and validation of the measurements.
- Publication:
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AGU Fall Meeting Abstracts
- Pub Date:
- December 2019
- Bibcode:
- 2019AGUFM.A13T2995C
- Keywords:
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- 0305 Aerosols and particles;
- ATMOSPHERIC COMPOSITION AND STRUCTURE;
- 0320 Cloud physics and chemistry;
- ATMOSPHERIC COMPOSITION AND STRUCTURE;
- 0321 Cloud/radiation interaction;
- ATMOSPHERIC COMPOSITION AND STRUCTURE;
- 0394 Instruments and techniques;
- ATMOSPHERIC COMPOSITION AND STRUCTURE