A new low-cost Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (Meteodrone) for monitoring upper air weather data

In the framework of the ThinkInAzul programme, the WIND-COAST project is a joint collaboration between the CSIC, NIWA and UOA aimed at designing and developing a new inexpensive “Meteodrone” for monitoring weather data across the low and mid-levels of the troposphere (up to 5,000-7,000 m a.s.l.). The Meteodrone is based on a DJI Matrice 350 RTK drone, equipped with the LI-550 TriSonica Mini Wind & Weather Sensor as its size and weight make it perfect for Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV). The Meteodrone reports wind speed, direction, air temperature, humidity, pressure, tilt, and compass data.

The prototype has already been tested and calibrated in the wind tunnel of UOA to correct motion errors and  evaluate its performance in different conditions of wind and turbulence. Field campaigns already started in September 2024 in New Zealand and Spain, first by flying the Meteodrone near a 10-m weather station from NIWA. The Meteodrone has potential to be the substitute of existing operational radiosonde systems such as sounding balloons, which are very expensive and have relatively high environmental impact. The use of Meteodrones will lead to better real-time monitoring and forecasting of extreme weather events, in a more sustainable and less costly way. Its ability to monitor wind storms is very useful for multiple socioeconomic ane environmental sectors. For example, the Meteodrone could have a wide range of potential applications, such as supporting firefighting and emergency management efforts by the Department of Forest Fire Prevention in Valencia.

Key words: UAV, meteodrone, weather data, upper air observations

Acknowledgements: This study forms part of the ThinkInAzul programme and was supported by MCIN with funding from European Union NextGenerationEU (PRTR-C17.I1) and by Generalitat Valenciana (THINKINAZUL/2021/018).