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arXiv · 1409.6557

Concept of spinsonde for multi-cycle measurement of vertical wind profile of tropical cyclones

Chung-How Poh·Chung-Kiak Poh
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Abstract

Tropical cyclones and cyclogenesis are active areas of research. Chute-operated dropsondes jointly developed by NASA and NCAR are capable of acquiring high resolution vertical wind profile of tropical cyclones. This paper proposes a chute-free vertical retardation technique (termed as spinsonde) that can accurately measure vertical wind profile. Unlike the expendable dropsondes, the spinsonde allows multi-cycle measurement to be performed within a single flight. Proof of principle is demonstrated using a simulation software and results indicate that the GPS ground speed correlates with the wind speeds to within +/-5 km/h. This technique reduces flying weight and increases payload capacity by eliminating bulky chutes. Maximum cruising speed (Vh) achieved by the spinsonde UAV is 372 km/h.

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Chung-How Poh, Chung-Kiak Poh. 2014-09-23. Concept of spinsonde for multi-cycle measurement of vertical wind profile of tropical cyclones. https://arxiv.org/abs/1409.6557

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