New cloud micro sensors for the Aerosonde UAV

Two new cloud microphysics sensors that were previously only available for use on large research aircraft are being developed for application on small UAVs, such as the Aerosonde. Both sensors weigh on the order of 2 kg and consume less than 10 W of electrical power.\ A Micro-CPI will measure the cloud drop size distribution from 1 to 50 μm and record high-resolution digital images of cloud drops and ice crystals. A dual-wavelength in situ cloud lidar measures volumetric extinction coefficient, cloud boundaries, liquid water content and effective cloud drop radius over scales of tens to hundreds of km from the aircraft. Measurements from the two new micro-sensors are essential for a better understanding of all cloud physics processes, including the formation of precipitation, development of severe weather and global climate change. The primary advantages of incorporating micro-sensors into the Aerosonde UAV platform are the long (up to 30 hr) flight duration, ability to make measurements in remote locations, human safety and low cost. The long duration and low cost enable the use of several Aerosondes to be deployed and cover a large spatial area for the duration of a storm event. This provides much better spatial coverage of clouds and better comparisons with satellite remote measurements. There are also potential commercial applications for the micro-sensors installed on small UAVS, such as the Aerosonde. A particularly attractive commercial application will be to aid in prediction of the breakup of marine stratus clouds that frequently prohibit commercial airliners from landing along several coastal airports worldwide. The potential cost savings to the airlines can run into billions of dollars. This paper discusses the electro-optical design and integration of the micro sensors into the Aerosonde UAV.