A SMOKE ROCKET TECHNIQUE FOR DAYTIME WIND MEASUREMENTS TO THREE THOUSAND FEET,
Abstract
Surface winds at the time of launch may have a profound affect on the trajectory of an unguided rocket. Although various rocket types have different wind loading factors, the basic information needed to correct the firing angle of all rockets is the wind speed and wind direction profile along or near the trajectory of the rocket. To provide a means for such measurements one of the authors was primarily responsible for the development of, 'An Inexpensive Rocket Technique for Obtaining Low Level Wind Profiles.' This was a 'smoke' rocket that provided a continuous, almost vertical line of visible tracer to 1200-1400 feet above the ground. By taking a sequence of pictures of the smoke simultaneously with two cameras, one camera 2000 feet to the north, the other 2000 feet to the west of the launch site, simultaneous wind speeds and wind directions were obtained at all levels to the top of the smoke trail. The present paper provides more accurate wind data to heights in excess of 3000 feet above ground. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 1967
- Accession Number
- AD0701136
Entities
People
- Albert W. Stohrer
- Gerald C. Gill
- Timothy L. Sweeney
Organizations
- University of Michigan