REMOTE DETECTION OF THERMALS BY MEANS OF HORIZONTAL ELECTRIC FIELD MEASUREMENTS

Authors

  • Ralph Markson

Keywords:

Meteorology, Atmospheric physics, Coaching

Abstract

In the past, sailplane pilots have had no sensor for determining the location of regions of lift other than their eyes. They might have headed for a cumulus cloud or a convenient ridge oriented perpendicular to the wind when searching for rising air. Atmospheric electric field measurements from a sailplane may offer another means of locating thermals and using them more effectively by indicating the regions of maximum lift. This technique has been suggested in the past by MacCready. This paper will discuss use of such measurements to increase soaring efficiency.

Downloads

Issue

Section

Articles