AIRCRAFT INVESTIGATIONS OF ATMOSPHERIC ELECTRICITY AND THUNDERSTORM DEVELOPMENT IN RELATION TO THE ATMOSPHERIC ELECTRICITY DETECTION SYSTEM AT CAPE KENNEDY, FLORIDA.
Abstract
The objectives of the program were achieved analytically by first determining the physical basis for the 500-khz radiation detected by the SPARSA (Sferics Pulse, Azimuth, Rate, and Spectrum Analyzer) sensor, and then relating the detected sferics pulses to actual thunderstorm conditions. From the analysis of over 100 hours of in-flight data, the following conclusions are summarized: (1) Although several limitations were found to exist in the system, the operational warning for hazardous atmospheric electrical activity was derived from: (a) a positive SPARSA network response to active thunderstorms and resultant position fix by triangulation, (b) a lack of deflections or fixes in areas devoid of thunderstorm activity except in response to certain kinds of radio and microwave interference, (c) an early indication of approaching thunderstorms. (2) In a limited investigation, it was possible to vector aircraft around severe storm areas, using the sparsa network deflections. (3) A similarity in response to thunderstorm activity was discovered between an airborne sferics detector and SPARSA sensor deflections which, when combined with proximity detector on the aircraft, proved the feasibility of the concept. Limitations of the network are discussed, and recommendations for network improvement are given. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 17, 1966
- Accession Number
- AD0638641
Entities
People
- Arthur L. Handman