Smart Low Altitude Platform for Atmospheric Measurements from a Research Aircraft

"The Phase I effort has shown that, through the combination of existing COTS technology and some novel systems, it is fully feasible to produce a tow behind vehicle capable of maintaining a set height above the ocean for the purposes of atmospheric fluxmeasurement. The Phase I design indicates that the system will be capable of meeting all the project requirements in a timely and cost effective manner. The phase II effort will see the fabrication, testing and operation of a fully functional prototypedesign.The proposed system design consists of a small towed pod approximately 5 feet in length and 7" in diameter, connected to a tow cable whose length is controlled by a reeling system installed inside the main research vessel (leaving wing store pylons freefor other instrumentation). Data communications with the tow vehicle can utilize a fiber optic connection (Preferred) or an RF radio link (Optional) in order to easily integrate with the existing main research vessel's data network.After successful field trials under phase II, several opportunities for commercialization of the project exist, including military applications and multi-level atmospheric sampling.BENEFITS: The towed atmospheric measurement system developed in the Phase II effort will immediately benefit the CIRPAS Twin Otter platform by providing for low level sampling of atmospheric flux. This increase in capability will enhance the utility ofthe platform and increase