Abstract: | This project introduces a specialized fixed-wing Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) developed for advanced cloud seeding applications, providing an innovative alternative to traditional weather modification techniques. Active Interventions in the Atmosphere (IAA), a Romanian organization dedicated to environmental and atmospheric management, has led the design and testing of this UAV for applications across diverse climate zones. This UAV is currently at Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 5-6, having undergone rigorous flight and payload testing that confirms its high operational reliability and performance.
The UAV’s technical specifications include a wingspan of 5 meters, a maximum takeoff mass of 120 kg, and a flight autonomy of 4-5 hours, allowing it to cover a range of up to 150 km per mission. Capable of reaching an operational ceiling of 5000 meters Above Sea Level (ASL), the UAV performs effectively in extreme conditions, including temperatures from -30°C to +50°C, relative humidity from 1% to 100%, and wind speeds up to 50 mph. A crucial aspect of its design is incorporating a comprehensive de-icing system. This system prevents ice buildup on the engine, propeller, and the front edges of the bearing surfaces, allowing the UAV to maintain stability and performance even in freezing conditions. This innovation is particularly valuable for cloud seeding missions conducted at high altitudes, where temperature variations are significant and ice accumulation is a risk.
Navigation is managed by advanced software and a dual-frequency GNSS, compatible with all major satellite networks, to ensure accurate mission control and tracking. The UAV can operate autonomously or via remote control, with the mission plan and flight performance monitored in real-time. This functionality is further supported by additional installed sensors, including air temperature, humidity, and wind speed sensors, allowing operators to adapt flights to current atmospheric conditions.
The UAV is designed to carry a substantial payload of up to 80 kg, enabling it to transport up to 40 smoke cartridges for seeding missions. The high payload capacity, combined with operational costs hundreds of times lower than those of traditional manned aircraft, makes this UAV a cost-efficient solution for large-scale weather modification. Its design also allows for takeoff and landing on short and unimproved runways as short as 150 meters, enhancing deployment flexibility across remote or rugged areas.
Future advancements for this UAV include integrating specialized sensors, such as a backscatter cloud probe with polarization detection (BCPD), which will enhance the UAV’s ability to monitor and analyze cloud and aerosol interactions. These additional tools will facilitate a more detailed understanding of cloud microphysics and seeding efficacy, supporting the broader aim of environmental management. Following certification, the UAV will be deployed in operational experiments to validate its performance in real-world precipitation enhancement missions, providing valuable insights into the role of UAV-based cloud seeding as a viable tool in climate adaptation and water scarcity mitigation strategies. This pioneering UAV design sets a new benchmark in weather modification technology, offering an efficient, flexible, and scalable platform for active atmospheric interventions in response to climate variability. |
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