The three-dimensional wind field is derived using the differential pressure method with measurements from the Rosemount model 858 system from the aircraft's noseboom. The system is a base measurement on the King Air that provides the wind components for any deployment type.
The measurement of wind from aircraft is important and requires careful considerations due to the speed and orientation of the aircraft relative to the wind. The individual wind components are derived from the attack and sideslip angles of the aircraft and with knowledge of the aircraft state.
During deployment real-time estimates of the wind components are provided onboard the aircraft. A preliminary processed data of the wind components in netCDF files are made available. Typically, these are made available within 24 hours after a flight. Standard processed data after quality control includes geolocated winds: east component, north component, vertical component, wind direction, and wind speed.
Honeywell PPT2 pressure transducers are connected to the ports of the Rosemount 858 to measure static and dynamic pressure, and the pressure differentials of the five holes at the tip. The sampling rate is 1000 Hz. The derivation of attack and sideslip angles follows the approach described in Appendix A of Rodi and Leon (2012). An Applanix AV 410 records the aircraft state and is used to derive the wind components from attack and sideslip angles.
Natalie Kille | nkille@uwyo.edu | (307) 766-3245