Cyclone Drones

Updated below


Developed and intended for investigating the lower levels of tropical systems...it/s not a stretch to imagine these 28-pound unmanned aircraft by Aerosonde being flown someday into extra-tropical winter cyclones deepening off the SE coast.

Aerosonde Gallery

Update

In 1998...an Aerosonde MK 3 crossed the Atlantic Ocean in 27 hours...using only 1.5 gallons of fuel.


Aerosonde specs
Wing span: 2.9 m (9.5 ft)
Weight:15 kg (32.2 lb)
Engine: 24 cc fuel injected
Payload(s): Up to 5.3 kg (11.5 lb)
Fuel capacity: Up to 6 liters (1.6 gal)
Operation: Autonomous
Generator: 75W
Navigation: GPS

Performance
Cruise airspeed:75-110 kph (40-60 kts)
Endurance: 5 - 30 hr(subject to payload)
Range: ~2000 km (50 kts)
Streaming video
Global iridium satellite
Service ceiling: 4500 m (15,000 ft)

Brochure (.pdf)