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US LTA Corporation of Eugene, Oregon and the researchers of the University of Washington Applied Physics Laboratory teamed together to develop and perform remote sensing measurements at the marine boundary layer for examination of surface winds free from the interferences induced by high speed aircraft or ocean going vessels by using...an airship, the160ft Model 138S Airship.

In order to examine the interactions of the wind and ocean at the surface without disturbing the air mass US LTA developed a technique for raising and lowering in flight a 650 lbs. (295Kg) glider like aerial sensor platform (ASP) to within 5-10 meters above the ocean surface and laden with instruments. In this way the scientists could hover over one spot or move to another region to investigate the previously undetectable effects of ocean surface features.

The airships deployed an instrument package of 1300 lbs. (591 Kg) including two microwave scattermoters. One of the microwave systems rested on an external platform and rotated and was used primarily to obtain radar cross sections to relate to the surface wind measurement, while the second was used to obtain ocean wave spectra and surface currents. A sonic anemometer and a fast response humidity sensor provided fluxes of heat moisture and momentum from the atmosphere to the ocean, while the effects of platform motion were removed using GPS information from an on-board receiver.

These missions were performed with 2 pilots and 2 scientists off the coast of Tillamook, Oregon from 1992-93 generally consisting of 6-8 hour durations and not exceeding 1000 ft. Altitudes. The low airspeeds permitted bulky placement of external instruments without appreciable affect on flight performance.

In 1995 the operational program continued jointly with UW-APL and NOAA and the use of FLIP (a boat/vessel that can submerge vertically) for vertical profiling of  the ocean's temperatures and other sensor data taken while the airship reported on surface activity in the area.  These were the last research flights performed with the Serial #001 Model 138S due to pending expiration of the envelope's 10 year operating lifetime.   US LTA continues to explore potential programs that will again see such operations playing a role in today's remote sensing research.

US LTA provided all flight, training and installation services. If you have any questions or comments please contact us and we'd be happy to respond. Be sure to also visit our links page for references related to this program.

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