Evaluation of low altitude rocket dropsondes for shipboard atmospheric profiling and electromagnetic propagation assessment
By: Brian Keith Baldauf
Publisher: Naval Postgraduate School; Available from National Technical Information Service
Published: 1996
Place of publication: Monterey, Calif; Springfield, Va
Language: eng
Number of pages: 149
Description: A study was performed on two measurement systems used to obtain profiles of refraction from a ship; the radiosonde and the rocketsonde. Refractive conditions measured by the Marwin Rawinsonde Set (MRS) utilizing radiosondes launched from U.S. Navy ships can yield misleading modified refractivity (M) versus height profiles. MRS obtained M unit profiles, when incorporated in propagation loss models such as Radio Physical Optics (RPO), also may produce unrepresentative propagation loss assessments. Rocketsonde obtained environmental parameters (temperature, relative humidity, pressure) are measured away from the ships influence. The ship can modify the environmental parameters and affect temperatures by as much as 3 deg C. Rocketsonde obtained data yield improved fine scale vertical resolution. Resolution approaching 5m obtained via rocketsondes is found to most closely resemble the actual environment. Rocketsonde data is available down to the near surface whereas there is a distinct lack of data from the surface to the launch point when utilizing balloon launched radiosondes. Inaccuracies in initial surface data drastically impact refractive profiles. Rocketsondes can be used regardless of sea state or wind conditions onboard ship and require no specific ship maneuvering to safely launch. It is found that the rocketsonde can obtain the requisite environmental parameters for refractive assessment on demand in less than half the time required to prepare and launch a balloon guided radiosonde.
Notes: Thesis advisor(s): Kenneth Davidson, Carlyle H. Wash.

"December 1996."

Thesis (M.S. in Meteorology and Physical Oceanography) Naval Postgraduate School, December 1996.

Includes bibliographical references (p. 145-146)

Approved for public release; distribution unlimited.

Also available online.

Mode of access: World Wide Web.

System requirements: Adobe Acrobat Reader.

US Navy (USN) author.

dk/dk cc:9116 5/14/97