Overview of Small Fixed-Wing Unmanned Aircraft for Meteorological Sampling

Abstract Sampling the atmospheric boundary layer with small unmanned aircraft is a difficult task requiring informed selection of sensors and algorithms that are suited to the particular platform and mission. Many factors must be considered during the design process to ensure the desired measurement accuracy and resolution is achieved, as is demonstrated through an examination of previous and current efforts. A taxonomy is developed from these approaches and is used to guide a review of the systems that have been employed to make in situ wind and thermodynamic measurements, along with the campaigns that have employed them. Details about the airframe parameters, estimation algorithms, sensors, and calibration methods are given.