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
figure 1 UAV sounding system Lukasiewicz

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 visualization.
  • 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 visualization and analysis.

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

figure 2 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.