An Autonomous Uncrewed Aircraft System Performing Targeted Atmospheric Observation for Cloud Seeding Operations

Abstract

This paper presents the results of a 3-week-long field deployment of an autonomous uncrewed aircraft system for targeted observation of early-convective storm systems in the U.S. Great Plains with application to cloud seeding operations. Due to reduced operational costs and requirements, autonomous small uncrewed aircraft systems present an appealing alternative to traditional crewed aircraft. The objective of the system is to gather and ultimately act upon in situ atmospheric data that are inaccessible via remote sensing techniques. Utilizing a combination of remote and in situ weather data, a dispersed autonomous decision-making system works integrally with a human operator to investigate early-convective storms for subregions which have favorable conditions for cloud seeding. The autonomy framework enables one operator to interface with multiple aircraft, which is demonstrated by performing complex sensing and seeding maneuvers with a team of two aircraft. Results from nine flights totaling over 8 hours of flight time are presented and discussed. Although the release of actual cloud seeding material was not performed during the campaign, this study demonstrates the utility and feasibility of small uncrewed aircraft systems for use in airborne cloud seeding operations.