Weather drones linked profiles during the specified time period. In Figure 1, the dark blue line shows the mean difference between the Meteodrone and radiosonde profiles; the shading shows the mean plus and minus the standard deviation. The red dashed line highlights zero. The dark blue line comes remarkably close to zero, which is indicative of an excellent result. Because of differences in the actual times and locations of the observations made by the radiosonde and the Meteodrone in each linked profile, a difference of zero for an entire profile is extremely unlikely. The average absolute difference in temperature is a mere 0.4°C – an impressive result, especially considering the natural variability and measurement uncertainties inherent in atmospheric conditions. Likewise, for wind speed, the mean absolute difference (MAD) is only 1m/s. replacements and lowering overall production and launch expenses. Moreover, the elimination of helium dependency reduces operational costs associated with gas procurement and inflation. Sustainability Resource availability -45°C The Meteodrone can withstand temperatures of Another factor influencing data reliability is the availability of resources. Helium shortages in the past have affected the cost and availability of helium-filled weather balloons, and thus the frequency and quality of radiosonde launches. Meteodrones do not rely on helium at all, mitigating concerns about supply shortages and ensuring consistent data collection capabilities. Weather balloons carrying radiosondes are typically made of latex or synthetic materials. When they land in natural environments after their missions, they can pose risks to wildlife and ecosystems. The non-biodegradable nature of these materials means they may persist in the environment for extended periods, contributing to pollution and potentially harming wildlife. The electronic components and batteries within radiosondes can exacerbate environmental concerns due to their potential for heavy metal contamination and electronic waste. In contrast, Meteodrones, being controlled by remote pilots, offer a more environmentally friendly alternative. Their controlled flight paths and ability to return to designated landing sites reduce the risk of unintentional landings in sensitive natural areas. Moreover, the materials used in the construction of Meteodrones are often chosen for their durability and recyclability, minimizing their environmental impact. License to operate Cost-efficiency Radiosondes are single-use devices, meaning they are capable of collecting data for only one mission before being discarded. This not only incurs high production costs but also adds up in terms of launch expenses for each individual radiosonde. Furthermore, the need for helium-filled weather balloons contributes to the overall cost of radiosonde launches. In contrast, although Meteodrones do have initial production costs and operational expenses, they offer significant cost savings in the long run. They can be reused for multiple missions over several years, reducing the need for frequent Meteodrones can fly through clouds and endure windy and icy conditions For Meteodrones to effectively replace radiosondes, it’s imperative to gather atmospheric data during the day and at night, considering that radiosondes are traditionally launched twice a day. Meteodrone flights are made possible thanks to special flight authorization from the Swiss Federal Office of Civil Aviation (FOCA), which covers Switzerland and the principality of Liechtenstein. This permit enables Meteomatics to obtain cross-border flight authorization more easily, allowing it to operate Meteodrones throughout the day and night in all member states of the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). Meteorological leap Meteodrones are a viable solution to the limitations of traditional radiosondes in weather forecasting and atmospheric research. With their ability to reach altitudes of up to 6km, conduct controlled flights and gather data more comprehensively and reliably, they offer a superior alternative. As Meteodrones continue to evolve and gain acceptance within the meteorological community, they can revolutionize atmospheric data collection and enhance our understanding of weather dynamics for years to come. Meteomatics To learn more, scan the QR code or visit: www.meteomatics.com 48 • www.meteorologicaltechnologyinternational.com • April 2024