A New Thermometric Instrument for Airborne Measurements in Clouds

Abstract

A new instrument for measuring the temperature of air in clouds from an aircraft is described. The instrument uses a very fine thermometric sensor located behind a thin rod that protects the sensor from direct contact with cloud droplets. Because the airflow is less disturbed than in more massive protective housings the accuracy and speed of the sensor are relatively less affected than in other types of airborne contact thermometers. Details of the construction of a prototype unit and results of preliminary flight and wind tunnel tests are given.