X-Wind Lidar Profiler

A novel method of using fluctuations in laser backscatter from atmospheric aerosol concentrations to remotely measure wind speed and direction is proposed. Using pulsed laser beams projected from two small spotting telescopes and range gated detectors, we are able to remotely measure 2-D wind vectors at contiguous range intervals along a 3-km targeting range with the accuracy and resolution needed to significantly improve ballistic trajectory prediction and decrease dispersion. The technology is simple, robust, and builds on decades of development by several groups and the principal investigator, using scanning aerosol backscatter lidar. The turbulent flow of air in the lowest layers of the atmosphere insures an abundant supply of airborne aerosols to serve as tracers of atmospheric motion. Innovative SESI lidar technology turns what were previously one-of-a-kind scientific research instruments into a compact, rugged, and affordable operational wind profiling instrument suitable for military and civilian applications. SESI''s Phase II instrument will be a production prototype suitable for use on the Aberdeen Test Center''s various gun test ranges. Versions small enough to be man portable are contemplated for sniper teams, or weapon mounted for howitzers. Civilian applications include airfield wind mapping on a continuous basis and wind surveys needed for developing wind energy farms.