Scout Drones: A Case Study by Łukasiewicz – Institute of Aviation

March 21st, 2024

Overview and background

Scout drones provide an accurate measurement of atmospheric conditions and weather at multiple elevations. This can be used for a variety of different applications - for example, drone light shows can only proceed if weather conditions are known to be favorable, and high winds could lead to their cancellation due to safety reasons.

The UAV-based atmospheric sounding system was developed by Łukasiewicz – Institute of Aviation, complementing the atmospheric probing done with meteorological balloons in supporting the launch of ILR-33 AMBER rockets.

Monitoring wind speed and direction is critical during the initial moments of rocket flight when its velocity is comparable to wind speeds. Near-ground atmospheric wind profiles significantly impact rocket trajectories, necessitating accurate and timely data to ensure successful launches.

figure 3 Ground Control Station Software Lukasiewicz
UAV sounding system Lukasiewicz and FT205

The challenge

Traditional sources for near-ground wind data, such as wind towers and atmospheric models, present challenges:

Wind towers are costly and unsuitable for many launch sites.

Numerical models lack precision near the launcher due to their large grid sizes (2–10 km).

Meteorological balloons, designed for high-altitude wind profiling, are typically limited to 1–2 launches per flight attempt, leaving gaps in near-ground data.

To ensure safe and accurate rocket launches, there was a pressing need for a cost-effective, high-resolution system capable of frequent and reliable near-ground and at-height wind measurements. A Scout drone provided the required solution.

The solution

This project developed a UAV-based system to address these challenges by providing real-time, on-demand wind profile data near ground level. The system consists of:

  • UAV Platform:
    • A DJI Matrice 600 Pro equipped with an FT Technologies Acoustic Resonance ultrasonic anemometer, onboard computer, and data link. 
    • Custom software for user-defined flight sequences and real-time data visualisation.
  • Sensor Integration:
    • The Acoustic Resonance ultrasonic anemometer was securely mounted on the UAV to avoid rotor-induced airflow disturbances, using a carbon fiber-reinforced, 3D-printed frame for stability and alignment.
  • Operation Process:
    • The UAV follows a predefined flight path, collecting atmospheric data up to 500 meters above ground level.
    • Data is transmitted to a ground station for visualisation and analysis.

This innovative setup provided a precise and flexible method to gather wind data, aligning with the specific needs of rocket launch operators.

DJI Matrice 600 Pro FT anemometer

Results

The system was successfully tested in real flight conditions, achieving the following:

  • Performance: Automatic flights up to 500 meters above ground level were conducted successfully, demonstrating system reliability and precision.
  • Approval: The project received authorization from the Poland Civil Aviation Authority after completing a Specific Operations Risk Assessment (SORA) in collaboration with SORA ASSISTANCE.
  • Application: The UAV system was effectively utilized in a suborbital rocket launch campaign, proving its operational feasibility and value.

Conclusion

The integration of UAVs with advanced wind sensors presents a transformative solution for atmospheric monitoring. By providing real-time, accurate near-ground wind data, this system enhances the safety and success of rocket launches while remaining cost-effective and adaptable.

The UAV-based atmospheric sounding system demonstrates the feasibility of using UAVs for automated meteorological measurements, paving the way for broader applications in aerospace and meteorology.

For a more comprehensive understanding, refer to the article “UAV Atmosphere Sounding for Rocket Launch Support” by Bęben K et al., published in Sensors (2023). The article is available at https://doi.org/10.3390/s23249639.