G-IV
Gulfstream IV

The Portable Remote Imaging Spectrometer (PRISM) is an airborne push-broom spectrometer developed at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL). PRISM was designed to provide the spectral, spatial, and temporal resolution needed to characterize events in coastal zones that satellite observations cannot capture. The spectrometer operates from 350 to 1050 nm, capturing imagery over coastal ocean regions. PRISM also includes a two-channel radiometer operating at shortwave infrared wavelengths (1240 and 1640 nm) to deliver accurate ocean color measurements. It features a high temporal resolution (167 Hz) and can fly below cloud cover at various altitudes, enabling it to resolve spatial features down to 30 cm.

The Tail Doppler Radar (TDR) is an airborne, vertically scanning, pulse-Doppler X-band radar operated by NOAA. It is installed on the tail of the research aircraft and is typically equipped on NOAA’s P-3 aircraft for hurricane and precipitation research missions. TDR measures radar reflectivity and Doppler wind velocities in the 9315 MHz frequency band. It has a horizontal beam width of 1.35 degrees and a range gate spacing of 150 or 300 meters.

Dropsondes, also called dropwindsondes, are instruments deployed from aircraft. They are equipped with Global Positioning System (GPS) receivers and sensors that record vertical profiles of pressure, temperature, humidity, wind speed, and wind direction. Dropsondes enable researchers to gather vertical profiles in remote areas and during severe weather. Typically, dropsondes have a vertical resolution of 5 meters and measure wind speed and direction every 0.25 seconds, while temperature, pressure, and humidity are recorded every 0.5 seconds.

The Precision Radiation Thermometer (PRT-5) is an in situ infrared temperature sensor. It provides non-contact infrared (8-14 μm) temperature measurements from -50 to 150 degrees Celsius with an accuracy of 0.5 degrees Celsius. It has a typical field of view of 2 degrees and a response time of 0.3 Hz, 3 Hz, or 30 Hz. PRT-5 can be deployed on aircraft, vehicles, research vessels, and other ground-based platforms. It can be used to measure sea surface, ocean water, cloud, and air temperatures.

The Airborne Vertical Atmospheric Profiling System (AVAPS) is an airborne system that uses dropsondes and Global Positioning System (GPS) receivers to collect in situ atmospheric profiles. It provides temperature, pressure, and humidity data every 0.5 seconds and wind data every 0.25 seconds. AVAPS has a vertical resolution of approximately 10 meters and can launch dropsondes every 20 seconds. It was developed by NCAR for the NASA Global Hawk, but it can also be deployed on other aircraft such as the DC-8 and P-3.

Generic-Chemistry Related Sensors (Gen-Chemistry) refers to non-specific instruments on a platform used for atmospheric chemistry measurements. These are typically in situ analyzers that measure chemical compounds such as trace gases, halocarbons, volatile organic compounds, nitrates, aerosols, and other chemical species. Measurements can include mixing ratios, composition, particle size, optical properties, and particle size distribution.

C-band radars operate in the 4-8 GHz frequency range. They provide measurements of radar reflectivity, Doppler velocity, and other parameters to characterize precipitation and clouds. C-band radars are typically used for short-range weather observations because they are more prone to attenuation.