Author(s)

Chung-Kiak Poh, Chung-How Poh

Aero-Persistence Research, Penang, Malaysia.

Tropical cyclones and cyclogenesis are active areas of research. Chute-operated dropsondes are capable of acquiring high resolution vertical wind profile of tropical cyclones. This work proposes a chute-free vertical retardation technique (termed as spinsonde) that can accurately measure vertical wind speed profile. Unlike the expendable dropsondes, the spinsonde allows multi-cycle measurement to be performed within a single flight. Proof of principle is demonstrated via simulation and results indicate that the ground speed correlates with the wind speeds to within ±5 km·h^-1. This technique reduces flying weight and increases payload capacity by eliminating bulky chutes. Maximum cruising speed (V_H) achieved by the spinsonde UAV is 368 km·h^-1.

Spinsonde, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles, Tropical Cyclone, Stall-Spin Maneuver, Vertical Wind Profile

Poh, C. and Poh, C. (2015) Concept of Spinsonde for Multi-Cycle Measurement of Vertical Wind Profile of Tropical Cyclones. Open Journal of Applied Sciences, 5, 145-150. doi: 10.4236/ojapps.2015.54015.