1. Boundary Layer Targeted Observations using the Glidersonde Meteorological Package Part I: Description and Results Daniel B. Weber Frank W. Gallagher III Kenneth Howard Photo by Wayne Feltz

2. Dataplane History The Dataplane was launched as a collaboration between Drs. Frank Gallagher and Dan Weber in the spring of 2000. The reusable platform consists of: –A radio controlled model aircraft –A computer controlled meteorological instrumentation package.

3. Dataplane Purpose Test a newly developed instrument package via high-resolution targeted measurements of the boundary layer. –Scalars: temperature, pressure and water vapor.

4. Aircraft 40 Sized Trainer Senior Telemaster ©2000 Frank W. Gallagher III Photo by Wayne Feltz

5. Delivery Platform Specifications Guidance: Radio controlled, pilot must see the aircraft Wing span: 1.5-2.5m Takeoff weight: 3.5-5kg Range: 1-1.25km vertical and horizontal Flight Duration: 20-25 minutes Airspeed: 10m/s - 40 m/s Source: Off the shelf kits and parts Cost: Aircraft $350-$550

6. Instrumentation Glidersonde project supported by Ken Howard and Mike Douglas at NSSL, CIMMS-OU. Designed and built by Frank Gallagher, CIMMS-OU. Tested Spring, Summer, Fall 2000.

7. Glidersonde Meteorological Package Vaisala RS-80 Based Sensor –Pressure, Temperature, Relative Humidity GPS Time, Position, and Aircraft Velocity One-Second Data Acquisition Data Stored on Board –Up to 5 Days with 20 Mb PCMCIA card NiMH Batteries for 4-Hour Collection Simple PC RS-232 Interface Transmitter Option for Telemetry Base Cost: $1500

8. Photo by Wayne Feltz

9. Field Experiments Winter wheat field, April 2000 June 2000: Research Experiences for Undergraduates -- University of Oklahoma and Clark-Atlanta University ARM Water Vapor IOP 2000, Lamont, OK

10. April, 2000 Wheat Field Study Site: Northwest of Kingfisher, OK Time: Evening soundings Purpose: Capture the early development of the nocturnal boundary layer profile.

11. ©2000 Frank W. Gallagher III

12. Flight Path Characteristics Targeted Observations

13. Time Series

14. Nocturnal boundary layer development

15. June, 2000 Field Study Operations just south of the OU Norman, OK campus on the CORCS Club Field. Operations commenced at 14:30Z and data were collected until 18:00Z. Purpose: Capture the early development of a heated boundary layer during quiescent synoptic conditions.

16. Dihema Longman and DP-0

17. REU Results Numerous soundings taken AnimatedNumerous soundings taken Animated Strong surface heating and superadiabatic surface layer observed.Strong surface heating and superadiabatic surface layer observed. Well-mixed boundary layer developed up to 900mb by the end of the observing period (noon).Well-mixed boundary layer developed up to 900mb by the end of the observing period (noon). Strong moisture gradient at the top of the mixed layer (6 C).Strong moisture gradient at the top of the mixed layer (6 C).

18. ARM Water Vapor IOP 2000 Operations located at the ARM Central Facility. Purpose: Supporting water vapor measurements for comparison with the on-site balloon launch, Dial and Raman Lidar data. Operations window: 3pm to dusk, minimize background solar radiation/contamination for the lidars.

19. ARM Water Vapor IOP 2000 Measurements obtained during four days: –Evening of September 29, 2000, off-site –Evening of September 30, 2000, off-site –Evening of October 2, 2000, on-site –Morning of October 3, 2000, on-site Results from each period are compared to the dual balloon launches.

20. ARM Off-Site Observations Obstacles: dirt roads, narrow runways, and numerous hazards ©2000 Frank W. Gallagher III

21. ARM WV IOP 2000, Off-Site Results ARM Dataplane

22. ARM On-Site Observations Operations center located 100m northwest of the balloon trailer in groomed pasture. ©2000 Frank W. Gallagher III Balloon

23. ARM WV IOP 2000, On-Site Results

24. Instrument Check Photo by Wayne Feltz

26. Summary Dataplane vertical profiles of moisture and temperature compared favorably to the dual balloon sounding data. Limited but useful tool for observing the boundary layer. Some biases in temperature exist due to sensor location and will be addressed with the next version.