Error Analysis of Wind Determined Using a VLF (Very Low Frequency) Omega Sonde.

Abstract : The atmospheric wind profile can be determined by tracking the drift of an ascending or descending sonde. Generally the sonde is tracked by radar, but, because of problems associated with radar, Omega navigation is now sometimes used as an alternative. This Memorandum discusses the errors associated with determining the wind profile by using Omega, in particular how the error is related to the rate of descent of the sonde. This study was conducted as part of the AMPARS (Artillery Meteorological Parameters Acquisition Rocket System) feasibility study. Keywords include: Radio transmission; Very low frequency; Dropsondes; and Rocket launching.