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Spectra Sensors, Incand WVSS II

Meeting

Background

David HelmsNOAA/NWS/OST

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Outline

• AMDAR (MDCRS) and WVSS• WVSS I • Post WVSS I• WVSS II Team • WVSS II Planning• WVSS II Phase 1• WVSS II Phase 2 and Beyond• Assessment

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AMDAR and WVSS

• AMDAR (MDCRS) – A highly leveraged, high quality, and

cost effective data collection (>200:1 cost advantage to radiosonde)

– Uses air carrier “enterprise” systems to sensor and collect observations, including:

• temp and wind sensors• data processing (e.g. ACMS)• air-to-ground coms (ARINC/SITA)

– Part of WMO World Weather Watch (WWW) Observing Network and GEOSS

– Used in Numerical Weather Prediction for over 10 years

• WVSS is an extension of AMDAR

24 Hour AMDAR Data over CONUS

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WVSS I

1995-1999:• FAA AWRP and NOAA

OGP Funded (>$10M)• Sensor developed by

Goodrich • Tested in 1999 on 30

UPS B-757• Thin Film Capacitor

Sensor• Result:

– Sensors failed after 3-6 months

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Post WVSS I - Regrouping

1999-2001:• Lessons Learned:

– RH uncertainty significantly increases as speed approaches high Mach #

– Environmental stress rapidly degrades TFC sensitivity

• Avoid TFC• But… need remains for

trans-tropospheric RH sensor that is capable of <5% RMS for sustained operational use (2-3 years)

Scene from the “Flight of the Phoenix” (1965)

WVSS IWVSS II

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Water VaporSensing System II

Team

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WVSS II Planning

2001: • A new approach is

developed:– Diode laser technology

solves the Mach # problem and sensor stability

• SpectraSensors takes the lead as the sensor developer

2002:• NWS provides WVSS II

“seed” funding2003:• Real-world field tests

accomplished (BAMEX)10000 15000 20000 25000 30000

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WVSS Chilled Mirror

H2O

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BAMEX Flight 5/31/03

Static P

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WVSS II Phase 1

• AUG 04: Operational test and deployment plans developed

• DEC 04: WVSS II STC is received from FAA

• FEB 05: Phase 1 WVSS II installations commence and data is received in quantity

• JUN 05: First Field Test Completed

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WVSS II Phase 2 and Beyond

• FY06: RFP solicitation• Approx $1M for first year of

deployment, potentially more in FY07+

• Phase 2 field test in spring 2006– Includes sensor software

and hardware “fixes” identified during phase 1

• Target 1,600 sensors deployed systems on national and international routes

WVSS II Intake and Diode Laser

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Assessment

• June 2005 Field Test assessment critical for showing system viability; reports from CIMSS in Dec 05; prelim results show good data through 6 km/500 hPa/18 kft

• Model assessment will require 150 or more instrumented aircraft to have “economies of scale” impact from WVSS II (FY08) Radiosonde (purple) and

WVSSII (black) Comparison April 26, 2005