TULSA — Research into using three-dimensional networks of weather-sensing drones to improve storm forecasting and tracking is beginning to make progress, with the Tulsa region at the center of the effort.
That’s largely due to the work of Steve Pilz, chief meteorologist at the National Weather Service in Tulsa.
Pilz told KRMG that the drones are manufactured by a Boston-based company called Greensight.
“NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) is interested in some of their technology and in fact they’ve signed a formal agreement where I can work directly with Greensight, which is not normal for the government,” Pilz told KRMG.
He said measuring data from different altitudes will give forecasters and storm chasers a clearer picture and will also greatly improve the accuracy of weather models.
“Observations are key. Everybody wants to talk about computer models and everything that goes on in there, but it all starts with observing the atmosphere,” Pilz says, “so the more data you can put into the models, the better.”
But swarms of weather-sensing nanodrones could pose a potential danger to other aircraft.
“The biggest challenge we face going forward is how to integrate all this into the airspace without putting aviation at risk,” Pilz said.
On Monday, Rep. Frank Lucas (R-Okla.) and Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.) announced a $5.5 million grant to Oklahoma State University to study the issue.
Their joint statement is as follows:
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has awarded $5.5 million to Oklahoma State University (OSU) as part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2024. The funding aims to increase knowledge of regional weather systems in the lower atmosphere and enable the safe integration of small unmanned aerial vehicles and advanced air mobility aircraft into the national aerospace system.
Senator Mullin (R-OK) and Representative Lucas (Okla. 3rd District) were the sponsors of the congressionally directed expenditure that made this funding possible. NIST falls under the jurisdiction of the House Committee on Science, Space and Technology, of which Representative Lucas is the Chairman. The project also received support from Stillwater Mayor Will Joyce and Payne County Commissioner Chris Redding.
“I am proud to see my alma mater, Oklahoma State University, taking on initiatives in the areas of aerospace industry and weather data science. I spoke with Chancellor Schramm about the great strides we’ve made on campus in recent years, and it’s clear that this community-funded project will further enhance that impact,” said Rep. Frank Lucas. “Oklahomans know firsthand how important accurate weather forecasts are to our lives, and the funding made possible by this Congressionally-mandated spending will allow OSU to take a major step forward in enhancing weather forecasting with unmanned aerial systems. I thank Chancellor Schramm for his efforts and look forward to seeing what positive outcomes this project will bring to our state.”
“Oklahoma State University is a leader in the aerospace industry,” said Senator Markwayne Mullin. “This funding will allow the university to continue to expand its research and innovation in weather sensors for commercial unmanned aerial vehicles and advanced air mobility aircraft. I am very pleased to share this news and would also like to thank Chancellor Schramm for his leadership.”
“On behalf of Oklahoma State University and the Oklahoma Aerospace Research and Education Institute (OAIRE), I would like to personally thank Senator Mullin and Representative Lucas for their support and tireless efforts in securing critical funding to establish a way to standardize and track atmospheric measurements from commercial Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) and Advanced Air Maneuvering Devices (AAMs),” said OSU Chancellor Keith Schramm. “This funding will provide tremendous benefits to the state of Oklahoma and the nation by accelerating the integration of small unmanned aircraft systems and advanced air mobility devices into a safe and sustainable national airspace system. The enhanced coverage and accuracy of low-altitude weather data this project will provide will greatly benefit the helicopter-based emergency medical services community operating in the same airspace, helping to reduce operational risk. The meteorology community can utilize this data to improve weather products and extend warning times for potentially hazardous conditions, contributing to important safety measures being employed.” Oklahoma State University’s OAIRE is a national leader in aerospace and aviation research and education, and we are proud to be part of this important project and thank Senator Mullin and Representative Lucas for making it possible.”
background
· The objective of this project is to increase knowledge of regional weather systems in the lower atmosphere and enable the safe integration of small unmanned aerial vehicles and advanced aircraft motives into the National Airspace System.
Researchers will develop methods to standardize and track atmospheric measurements for commercial UAS and advanced airborne vehicles (AAMs). The project will develop protocols and standards for unmanned aerial vehicle weather data reporting. The project will also evaluate existing maintenance operations that may support AAM operations, particularly with regard to severe weather and fire-related weather impacts. Researchers will also develop a curriculum to help the aviation community apply new technologies.
This project will demonstrate a new, cost-effective method to support the integration of weather sensors onto commercial UAS and AAM aircraft. The proposed system is essential for collecting regional weather data and establishing a weather information distribution network. The project will demonstrate dynamic route planning based on regional weather data.
The project will facilitate the safe and sustainable integration of small unmanned aircraft systems and advanced air mobility into the national airspace system, with technological advancements benefiting the entire aviation industry. The increased coverage and accuracy of low-altitude weather data will greatly benefit the helicopter-based emergency medical services industry, which operates in the same airspace, helping to reduce operational risk. The meteorology industry can leverage this data to improve weather products and extend warning times for potentially hazardous conditions, thereby contributing to safety efforts for various stakeholders in the airspace ecosystem.
