Determination of Clear-Sky Radiative Flux Profiles, Heating Rates, and Optical Depths Using Unmanned Aerospace Vehicles as a Platform

Francisco P. J. Valero Atmospheric Research Laboratory, Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California

Search for other papers by Francisco P. J. Valero in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Shelly K. Pope Atmospheric Research Laboratory, Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California

Search for other papers by Shelly K. Pope in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Robert G. Ellingson University of Maryland, Department of Meteorology, College Park, Maryland

Search for other papers by Robert G. Ellingson in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Anthony W. Strawa NASA/Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, California

Search for other papers by Anthony W. Strawa in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
, and
John Vitko Jr. Sandia National Laboratories, Livermore, California

Search for other papers by John Vitko Jr. in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
Restricted access

We are aware of a technical issue preventing figures and tables from showing in some newly published articles in the full-text HTML view.
While we are resolving the problem, please use the online PDF version of these articles to view figures and tables.

Abstract

In this paper the authors report results obtained using an unmanned aerospace vehicle (UAV) as an experimental platform for atmospheric radiative transfer research. These are the first ever climate measurements made from a UAV and represent a major step forward in realizing the unique potential of long-endurance, high-altitude UAVs to contribute to climate and environmental studies. Furthermore, the radiative flux divergences determined during these experiments are some of the highest quality measurements of this kind obtained from any type of aircraft and constitute an important test of radiative transfer models.

Abstract

In this paper the authors report results obtained using an unmanned aerospace vehicle (UAV) as an experimental platform for atmospheric radiative transfer research. These are the first ever climate measurements made from a UAV and represent a major step forward in realizing the unique potential of long-endurance, high-altitude UAVs to contribute to climate and environmental studies. Furthermore, the radiative flux divergences determined during these experiments are some of the highest quality measurements of this kind obtained from any type of aircraft and constitute an important test of radiative transfer models.

Save