Stratospheric turbulence and temperature gradients measured by an RB-57F: Goldscan flights 2 to 18

Stratospheric turbulence and temperature gradients measured by an RB-57F: Goldscan flights 2 to 18

MacPherson, J.I.
Morissey, E.G.

National Research Council Canada, National Aeronautical Establishment, Flight Research Section

1969-10-31

In January 1969, the National Aeronautical Establishment instrumented a USAF RB-57F weather reconnaissance aircraft to measure turbulence and temperature gradients encountered on routine flights at altitudes from 40,000 feet to above 60,000 feet. To date 19 data flights covering 30,000 nautical miles of the central and western United States have been flown in a continuing program named "Coldscan". This report summarizes the results of the first 19 flights and presents detailed accounts of a selection of 15 events showing large temperature changes or light to moderate turbulence. These presentations include time histories of the recorded variables, flight tracks showing event positions, and meteorological analyses. Data are presented on the correlation between the measured stratospheric turbulence and horizontal temperature gradients and on the geographical distribution of recorded incidents. Results of these winter and spring flights are most significant for the number of encounters with mountain waves, even at altitudes above 60, 000 feet.

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National Research Council Canada

Campus only

National Research Council Aeronautical Report LR 527; NRC No. 11064

Aerospace Engineering Reports

report

(c) 1969 National Research Council Canada