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For release: 07/23/2002
 Photo release #: N02-007

NASA studies lightning storms using high-flying, uninhabited vehicle

Photo description: Tony Kim and Dr. Richard Blakeslee of the Marshall Center test aircraft sensors to be used to measure electric fields produced by thunderstorms. Large 3000 x 2210 (300)
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Tony Kim and Dr. Richard Blakeslee of NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Ala., test aircraft sensors that will be used to measure the electric fields produced by thunderstorms as part of NASA's Altus Cumulus Electrification Study (ACES).

Kim and Blakeslee are based at the National Space Science and Technology Center in Huntsville. -- a partnership with the Marshall Center, Alabama universities, industry and federal agencies. It enables scientists, engineers and educators to share research and facilities, focusing on space science, Earth sciences, materials science, biotechnology, propulsion, information technology and optics. (NASA/Marshall/Doug Stoffer)

 

Photo description: Based at the Naval Air Station Key West in Florida, researchers in the Altus Cumulus Electrification Study (ACES) will chase down thunderstorms using an uninhabited aerial vehicle, or "UAV" - allowing them to achieve dual goals of gathering weather data safely and testing new aircraft technology. This is expected to mark the first time a UAV is used to conduct lightning research. Large 3000 x 2400 (300)
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Based at the Naval Air Station Key West in Florida, researchers in the Altus Cumulus Electrification Study (ACES) will chase down thunderstorms using an uninhabited aerial vehicle, or "UAV" - allowing them to achieve dual goals of gathering weather data safely and testing new aircraft technology. This is expected to mark the first time a UAV is used to conduct lightning research. (NASA/Dryden/Tom Tschida)

 

Photo description: The Altus Cumulus Electrification Study (ACES) will utilize the Altus II twin turbo uninhabited aerial vehicle, built by General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. of San Diego. The Altus was chosen for its slow flight speed of 70 to 100 knots (80 to 115 mph), long endurance, and high-altitude flight (up to 65,000 feet). These qualities give the Altus II aircraft the ability to fly near thunderstorms for long periods of time, allowing investigations to be conducted over the entire life cycle of storms. Large 3000 x 2400 (300)
Medium 500 x 400 (72)
Thumbnail 100 x 100 (72)

The Altus Cumulus Electrification Study (ACES) will utilize the Altus II twin turbo uninhabited aerial vehicle, built by General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. of San Diego. The Altus was chosen for its slow flight speed of 70 to 100 knots (80 to 115 mph), long endurance, and high-altitude flight (up to 65,000 feet). These qualities give the Altus II aircraft the ability to fly near thunderstorms for long periods of time, allowing investigations to be conducted over the entire life cycle of storms. (NASA/Dryden/Tom Tschida)

 

Photo description: The Altus II uninhabited aerial vehicle, built by General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. has a wing span of 55 feet and a payload capacity of over 300 lbs. Large 3000 x 2400 (300)
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The Altus II uninhabited aerial vehicle, built by General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. has a wing span of 55 feet and a payload capacity of over 300 lbs. (NASA/Dryden/Tom Tschida)

 

Photo description: The Altus Cumulus Electrification Study (ACES) will utilize the Altus II uninhabited aerial vehicle, chosen for its slow flight speed of 70 to 100 knots (80 to 115 mph), long endurance, and high-altitude flight (up to 65,000 feet). These qualities give the Altus the ability to fly near thunderstorms for long periods of time, allowing investigations to be conducted over the entire life cycle of storms. The Altus II was built by General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. in San Diego. Large 3000 x 2400 (300)
Medium 500 x 400 (72)
Thumbnail 100 x 100 (72)

The Altus Cumulus Electrification Study (ACES) will utilize the Altus II uninhabited aerial vehicle, chosen for its slow flight speed of 70 to 100 knots (80 to 115 mph), long endurance, and high-altitude flight (up to 65,000 feet). These qualities give the Altus the ability to fly near thunderstorms for long periods of time, allowing investigations to be conducted over the entire life cycle of storms. The Altus II was built by General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. in San Diego. (NASA/Dryden/Tom Tschida)

 

Photo description: Doug Mach of NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Ala., a researcher in the Altus Cumulus Electrification Study (ACES), examines the Altus II vehicle in the aircraft hanger. Mach is based at the National Space Science and Technology Center in Huntsville, a partnership with the Marshall Center, Alabama universities, industry and federal agencies. Large 3000 x 2400 (300)
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Doug Mach of NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Ala., a researcher in the Altus Cumulus Electrification Study (ACES), examines the Altus II vehicle in the aircraft hanger. Mach is based at the National Space Science and Technology Center in Huntsville, a partnership with the Marshall Center, Alabama universities, industry and federal agencies. (NASA/Dryden/Tom Tschida)

 

Photo description: Jeff Bailey and Dr. Richard Blakeslee of the National Space Science and Technology Center examine Altus vehicle prior to flight. The Altus Cumulus Electrification Study (ACES) is a collaboration among NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center, Huntsville, Ala.; the University of Alabama at Huntsville; NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, Md.; Penn State University, University Park; and General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc., San Diego. Large 3000 x 2400 (300)
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Jeff Bailey and Dr. Richard Blakeslee of the National Space Science and Technology Center examine Altus vehicle prior to flight. The Altus Cumulus Electrification Study (ACES) is a collaboration among NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center, Huntsville, Ala.; the University of Alabama at Huntsville; NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, Md.; Penn State University, University Park; and General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc., San Diego. (NASA/Dryden/Tom Tschida)

 

Photo description: Using special equipment aboard the aerial vehicle, scientists in the Altus Cumulus Electrification Study will gather electric, magnetic and optical measurements of the thunderstorms, gauging elements such as lightning activity and the electrical environment in and around the storms.Large 3000 x 2400 (300)
Medium 500 x 400 (72)
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Using special equipment aboard the aerial vehicle, scientists in the Altus Cumulus Electrification Study will gather electric, magnetic and optical measurements of the thunderstorms, gauging elements such as lightning activity and the electrical environment in and around the storms. (NASA/Dryden/Tom Tschida)

 

Photo description: Contained within the Altus II aircraft are specialized instruments for gathering electric, magnetic and optical measurements of the thunderstorms, gauging elements such as lightning activity and the electrical environment in and around the storms. Large 3000 x 2400 (300)
Medium 500 x 400 (72)
Thumbnail 100 x 100 (72)

Contained within the Altus II aircraft are specialized instruments for gathering electric, magnetic and optical measurements of the thunderstorms, gauging elements such as lightning activity and the electrical environment in and around the storms. (NASA/Dryden/Tom Tschida)

 

Photo description: The Altus II uninhabited aerial vehicle, built by General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc., of San Diego, was chosen for its slow flight speed of 70 to 100 knots (80 to 115 mph), long endurance, and high-altitude flight (up to 65,000 feet)Large 3000 x 2400 (300)
Medium 500 x 400 (72)
Thumbnail 100 x 100 (72)

The Altus II uninhabited aerial vehicle, built by General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc., of San Diego, was chosen for its slow flight speed of 70 to 100 knots (80 to 115 mph), long endurance, and high-altitude flight (up to 65,000 feet). (NASA/Dryden/Tom Tschida)

 

Photo description: Doug Mach, left, and Dr. Richard Blakeslee of NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Ala., researchers in the Altus Cumulus Electrification Study (ACES), examine data in preparation for the August flights. Mach and Blakeslee are based at the National Space Science and Technology Center in Huntsville, a partnership with the Marshall Center, Alabama universities, industry and federal agencies. Blakeslee, Dr. Richard Blakeslee, a NASA atmospheric scientist, is the study's principal investigator. Large 3000 x 2400 (300)
Medium 500 x 400 (72)
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Doug Mach, left, and Dr. Richard Blakeslee of NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Ala., researchers in the Altus Cumulus Electrification Study (ACES), examine data in preparation for the August flights. Mach and Blakeslee are based at the National Space Science and Technology Center in Huntsville, a partnership with the Marshall Center, Alabama universities, industry and federal agencies. Blakeslee, Dr. Richard Blakeslee, a NASA atmospheric scientist, is the study's principal investigator. (NASA/Dryden/Tom Tschida)

 

Photo description: Jeff Bailey of the National Space Science and Technology Center in Huntsville, Ala, compiles data to be used in preparation for the Altus Cumulus Electrification Study (ACES). In the background are Doug Mach, left, and Dr. Richard Blakeslee of NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Ala., both based at the NSSTC. Large 3000 x 2400 (300)
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Jeff Bailey of the National Space Science and Technology Center in Huntsville, Ala, compiles data to be used in preparation for the Altus Cumulus Electrification Study (ACES). In the background are Doug Mach, left, and Dr. Richard Blakeslee of NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Ala., both based at the NSSTC. (NASA/Dryden/Tom Tschida)

 

Photo description: Evaluating the aircraft performance from the piloting seat is Larry Bonner, an avionics technician from General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc., in San Diego. Large 3000 x 2210 (300)
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From the safety of the ground, pilots supporting the Altus Cumulus Electrification Study (ACES) remotely pilot the uninhabited aerial vehicle, or "UAV" as it flies over and around thunderstorms - helping researchers achieve dual goals of gathering weather data safely and testing new aircraft technology. Evaluating the aircraft performance from the piloting seat is Larry Bonner, an avionics technician from General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc., in San Diego. (NASA/Dryden/Tom Tschida)

 

Photo description: Data obtained through sensors mounted to the aircraft will allow researchers in the Altus Cumulus Electrification Study (ACES) to gauge elements such as lightning activity and the electrical environment in and around storms. Large 3000 x 2210 (300)
Medium 500 x 368 (72)
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Data obtained through sensors mounted to the aircraft will allow researchers in the Altus Cumulus Electrification Study (ACES) to gauge elements such as lightning activity and the electrical environment in and around storms. By learning more about individual storms, scientists hope to better understand the global water and energy cycle, as well as climate variability. Contained in one portion of the aircraft will be a three-axis magnetic search coil, which measures the AC magnetic field; a three-axis electric field change sensor; an accelerometer; and a three-axis magnetometer, which measures the DC magnetic field. (NASA/Dryden/Tom Tschida)

 

Photo description: ACES program manager Jay Stoneburner of General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc., of San Diego and Scott Murphy of NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Md., inspect components of the Altus uninhabited aerial vehicle. Large 3000 x 2210 (300)
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ACES program manager Jay Stoneburner of General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc., of San Diego and Scott Murphy of NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Md., inspect components of the Altus uninhabited aerial vehicle. Built by General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, the Altus was chosen for its slow flight speed of 70 to 100 knots (80 to 115 mph), long endurance, and high-altitude flight (up to 65,000 feet). Sensors aboard the aircraft will allow scientists to gather storm data that has the potential to help forecasters improve weather prediction. (NASA/Dryden/Tom Tschida)

 

Photo description: Participants in the Altus Cumulus Electrification Study (ACES) move field mill equipment on the runway. Large 3000 x 2210 (300)
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Participants in the Altus Cumulus Electrification Study (ACES) move field mill equipment on the runway. Data obtained through field mills, sensors which measure components of a storm's electric field over a wide dynamic range, are one way researchers plan to gauge elements such as lightning activity and the electrical environment in and around storms. By learning more about individual storms, scientists hope to better understand the global water and energy cycle, as well as climate variability. From left are Harvey Rice of Aerospace Engineering Group of IDEA, LLC in Ellicott, Md, Scott Murphy of NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Md., and Tony Kim, ACES project manager of NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Ala. (NASA/Dryden/Tom Tschida)
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