According to an example aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method in connection with a radiosonde, the method comprising measuring a humidity of the atmosphere at several different altitudes in the atmosphere, measuring a pressure at several different altitudes in the atmosphere or calculating the pressure from an altitude of the radiosonde obtained from GPS or other satellite navigation system, measuring or estimating a temperature of a humidity sensor, and measuring a relative humidity by a capacitor with a polymer insulator, wherein the relative humidity value is corrected based on a correction factor, which is a function of pressure, humidity sensor temperature, and relative humidity, such that the humidity value decreases when pressure decreases.

Described herein are features for a high altitude lighter-than-air (LTA) system and associated methods. The LTA may include one or more super-pressure balloons (SPB). One or more of the SPB's may include one or more interior volumes. One or more of the interior volumes may be configured to receive an LTA gas therein to supplement the free lift of the LTA system. There may be an adjustable valve or vent to release the LTA gas. One or more of the interior volumes may be configured to receive ambient air to provide a variable downward force. The SPB may use a compressor to pump in ambient air. The compressor or another valve may release ambient air to decrease the downward force. A zero-pressure balloon (ZPB) may be attached with the one or more SPB's. The ZPB may supplement lift for the system.

A probe is configured for introduction into a vicinity of a hazard. The probe comprises multiple sensors, communications circuitry, processor circuitry, and a casing. The multiple sensors include at least: a sensor configured to acquire disposition information of the probe; and a sensor configured to acquire environmental information in a vicinity of the probe. The communications circuitry is configured to transmit the disposition information and the environmental information externally to the probe. The processor circuitry is configured to coordinate operation of the multiple sensors and the communications circuitry. The casing is configured to internally house the multiple sensors, the transmitter, and the processor circuitry. The casing comprises an essentially cylindrical bullet shape, and wherein along a major cylindrical axis a first end of the casing comprises a flat butt surface and a second end of the casing comprises a rounded nose surface.

Systems and methods for detecting inclement weather in the vicinity of an aircraft engine are described herein. At least a first engine parameter and a second engine parameter are obtained, each engine parameter varies with changing weather conditions. An arithmetic value is determined as a function of at least the first engine parameter and the second engine parameter. The arithmetic value varies with changing weather conditions. A rate of change of the arithmetic value is determined. Inclement weather is detected when the rate of change exceeds a threshold.

Systems and methods for detecting inclement weather in the vicinity of an aircraft engine are described herein. At least a first engine parameter and a second engine parameter are obtained, each engine parameter varies with changing weather conditions. An arithmetic value is determined as a function of at least the first engine parameter and the second engine parameter. The arithmetic value varies with changing weather conditions. A rate of change of the arithmetic value is determined. Inclement weather is detected when the rate of change exceeds a threshold.

A computer receives a hotspot and a corresponding incentive, where the hotspot is a geolocation for collecting the weather data. The computer presents the received hotspot and the corresponding incentive to a user. The computer receives the weather data from the drone, transmits the weather data to a server, and updates a scorecard with the incentive corresponding to the hotspot based on determining that the drone reached the hotspot.

A computer receives a hotspot and a corresponding incentive, where the hotspot is a geolocation for collecting the weather data. The computer presents the received hotspot and the corresponding incentive to a user. The computer receives the weather data from the drone, transmits the weather data to a server, and updates a scorecard with the incentive corresponding to the hotspot based on determining that the drone reached the hotspot.

Various embodiments may provide an airborne system for measuring meteorological parameters, including a high altitude unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) formed completely or partially of closed-cell polyurethane foam. In various embodiments, the UAV may include extendable wings configured to extend and retract as the UAV climbs and descends to different altitude levels. In various embodiments, the UAV may include one or more infrasonic sensors and wind screening configured to measure one or more meteorological parameters, such as wind shear, seismic waves, magnetic storms, magnetohydrodynamic waves, severe weather, tornadoes, hurricanes, meteors, and lighting. The infrasonic sensors may be configured to determine wind shear at the local and regional level. In various embodiments, other meteorological sensors may also be included in/on the UAV in addition to the infrasonic sensors.

Various embodiments may provide an airborne system for measuring meteorological parameters, including a high altitude unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) formed completely or partially of closed-cell polyurethane foam. In various embodiments, the UAV may include extendable wings configured to extend and retract as the UAV climbs and descends to different altitude levels. In various embodiments, the UAV may include one or more infrasonic sensors and wind screening configured to measure one or more meteorological parameters, such as wind shear, seismic waves, magnetic storms, magnetohydrodynamic waves, severe weather, tornadoes, hurricanes, meteors, and lighting. The infrasonic sensors may be configured to determine wind shear at the local and regional level. In various embodiments, other meteorological sensors may also be included in/on the UAV in addition to the infrasonic sensors.

A system and method for monitoring the intensification and weakening of tropical cyclones, including tropical storms and hurricanes. The method includes flying a UAV above the tropical cyclone for an extended period of time and detecting transitions in structure. Intensification to hurricane stage is indicated by core structure transition of the tropical cyclone to include the presence of an eye within an eyewall. The UAV can be a Global Hawk aircraft and include a number of sensors and detectors, such as a camera for providing images of the tropical cyclone, an infrared detector for detecting temperature changes in the eye structure, a radar detector for detecting wind magnitude and direction in the tropical cyclone, dropsonde sensors for measuring temperature, pressure, humidity, and wind speed/direction in the tropical cyclone, etc. The UAV can relay the vortex parameter data in real time to a satellite for subsequent downlinking to receiving stations.