Airborne Doppler lidar analyses and adaptive targeting system (ADLAATS)

The overall goal of this Phase II effort is to provide a computationally efficient software package called the Airborne Doppler Lidar Analyses and Adaptive Targeting System (ADLAATS) that conducts continuous on-board measurement and processing of airborne DWL data, transmits the data (u,v,w, variance, backscatter) down to the surface at least every 5 min, and uploads model data (i.e., WRF, MM5)and observational data from a system such as IMETS. ADLAATS will also provide software that conducts comparisons between DWL observations and model output, with logic in place to take a variety of adaptive actions based on these comparisons. This logic includes the ability to direct aircraft to a new observation strategy or sampling pattern/location. The ADLAATS software package (on-board a Twin Otter a/c) will be tested in a field campaign based out of Ft. Irwin, CA. A main task of this Phase II effort is the planning and conducting of this campaign. After the mission, analysis and validation of the data will be undertaken. However, the main thrust of the post-mission activity will be the fine-tuning and optimization of ADLAATS for effectiveness (data utility) and computational speed. Commercial applications inside and outside of the military will be investigated.