BLISS Team Leads US Contribution to WMO UAS Demonstration Campaign

The BLISS (Boundary Layer Integrated Sensing and Simulation) team is proud to announce our significant involvement in the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) Uncrewed Aerial System (UAS) demonstration campaign. This participation showcases our team’s expertise in UAS technology and atmospheric science on a global stage.

Long-Standing Involvement

Tyler Bell, a key member of the BLISS team, has been integral to the organization process of the WMO UAS demonstration campaign from its inception. His involvement has helped shape the direction and scope of this important international initiative.

ISARRA 2024 and Flight Week

As planning for the International Society for Atmospheric Research using Remotely piloted Aircraft (ISARRA) 2024 conference and its associated Flight Week project gains momentum, more BLISS team members have become actively involved. This increased participation underscores our commitment to advancing UAS applications in atmospheric research.

Pioneering the 3D Mesonet Concept

A major component of the US contribution to the WMO UAS demonstration campaign will be led by the BLISS team. We are coordinating a deployment of at least 10 UAS sites across Oklahoma, utilizing existing Mesonet locations. This effort aims to pilot the innovative “3D Mesonet” concept during the Flight Week.

Key aspects of this deployment include:

• Leveraging existing Mesonet infrastructure
• Expanding vertical profiling capabilities
• Demonstrating the feasibility of a network of UAS for atmospheric monitoring
• Providing unprecedented 3D atmospheric data for research and forecasting

Implications for Atmospheric Science

This project has far-reaching implications for the field of atmospheric science:

• Enhanced understanding of boundary layer processes
• Improved data assimilation for weather forecasting models
• Potential for more accurate severe weather predictions
• Demonstration of UAS capabilities for routine atmospheric monitoring

International Collaboration

Our participation in the WMO UAS demonstration campaign facilitates international collaboration and knowledge sharing. By leading a significant portion of the US contribution, we’re helping to set global standards for UAS use in meteorology.

Looking Ahead

As we approach ISARRA 2024 and the associated Flight Week, the BLISS team is excited about the potential outcomes of this project. We anticipate that the data and experiences gathered will:

• Inform future UAS network designs
• Contribute to WMO guidelines for UAS use in meteorology
• Advance our understanding of atmospheric processes
• Showcase Oklahoma’s leadership in meteorological research and innovation Stay tuned for updates on this groundbreaking project and its potential to revolutionize atmospheric monitoring and weather forecasting