Helicopter-Borne Scatterometer.
Abstract
The purpose of this report is to provide a detailed technical description of the University of Kansas helicopter-borne microwave active spectrometer (HELOSCAT). A major advantage of this calibrated system is the mobility of the helicopter platform--it has the advantages of both a ground-based system and an aircraft system without many of the inherent disadvantages. The Bell 206 helicopter was chosen as the best platform because of its wide availability in the High Arctic (and continental U.S., for that matter) and its low operating cost when compared to its sister aircraft, the Bell 205 and 212. Costs are in the range of $350/flight hour with a fuel consumption of 30 gallons per hour. In contrast, the larger Bell 205 costs are $1000/hour with a fuel consumption of 80 gallons per hour. This system features the ability to acquire data at frequencies from 4 to 18 GHz with like- and cross-antenna polarizations and angles of incidence from 10 to degrees to 70 degrees. All control, including that of the angles and antenna polarizations, is from within the aircraft. Frequency selection may be performed both manually or via microprocessor. The microprocessor also multiplexes data from a fast true rms detector (0.1 second average) and an averaging true rms detector (1 second average). (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 1982
- Accession Number
- ADA125796
Entities
People
- D. B. Bushnell
- R. G. Onstott
- R. K. Moore
- S. P. Gogineni
- Y. S. Kim