BALLOON ASCENT TRAJECTORY DISPERSION OVER THE UNITED STATES AT 60,000 FT AND 100,000 FT.

Abstract

A series of seasonal statistical charts is presented which can be used for obtaining estimates of ascent trajectory dispersion at altitudes of 60,000 ft and 100,000 ft for balloons launched from locations within the United States. The charts give isopleth mappings of mean ascent trajectory components, angle of rotation of axes of the dispersion patterns, and standard deviations of the components along the major and minor distribution axes. The chart data and outlined procedures furnish the means for constructing balloon ascent trajectory dispersion patterns, with a minimum amount of time and effort for any specified constant balloon ascent rate and for any desired degree of probability. These dispersion patterns provide useful planning information for purposes of air safety and other operational considerations. An analysis of the stability of the mean ascent trajectories shows a wave pattern distribution over the United States with a ridge of maximum stability, or minimum dispersion, centered along longitude 110 degrees and troughs of minimum stability, or maximum dispersion, located over the Northeast and over the Northwest. (Author)

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Feb 01, 1966
Accession Number
AD0631502

Entities

People

  • George F. Nolan

Organizations

  • Air Force Cambridge Research Laboratories

Tags

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Altitude
  • Ascent Trajectories
  • Dispersions
  • Longitude
  • Probability
  • Rotation
  • Standards
  • Trajectories
  • United States

Readers

  • Atmospheric Science/Meteorology
  • Seismology
  • Space Exploration and Orbital Mechanics.