The Meteorological Service of the Air Force among the first in the world in the use of fully automatic radio sounding systems for meteorological observations at high altitude
With the first automated launch of a sounding balloon, which took place at midnight on the dot last night from the military airport of Galatina (Lecce), the process of automating the meteorological observation stations of the Air Force officially starts, which provide for the collection of atmospheric and meteorological data at high altitudes, through the launch of upward balloons.
This important modernization implemented by the Meteorological Service of the Italian Air Force, among the first in the world in the use of innovative and fully automatic systems in the field of altitude observations, offers a series of advantages in terms of performance, reliability and flexibility. Thanks to an innovative centralized control system of the individual stations, it will also be possible, according to needs, to configure the new radio sounding network in real time, directing the launches to specific areas of the national territory affected by meteorological situations of particular interest, both for purposes directly related to the safety of civil and military flights, and - in general - to improve the accuracy of weather forecasts.
The innovation, which is part of the constant development and modernization of the systems supplied to the Armed Force, stems from a study by the 4th Logistics Department of the Air Force Staff on the innovation of weather instruments, relating in particular to the revision and automation of the observation service at height, in line with the evolution already started for the meteorological observation stations on the ground. "Meteorology certainly represents one of those fields in which, although other service providers now also exist, the Air Force maintains a leadership position both in terms of know-how and capacity for innovation, thanks above all to its very long experience and to the professionalism of its personnel specialized in the sector ”, declared Brigadier General Luca De Martinis, Head of the 4th SMA Department, on the occasion of the first launch. “The recently inaugurated autoprobes - he continued - represent a clear example of this continuous exercise of efficiency through innovation”.
In addition to the Galatina (LE) station, the new radio sounding network of the Italian Air Force will also include launch stations located at the airport areas of Rivolto (UD), Cameri (NO), Pratica di Mare (RM), Decimomannu ( CA) and Trapani Birgi (TP).
How the launch of the sounding balloons takes place
The launch of the sounding balloons for the measurement of meteorological parameters at high altitude (temperature, pressure, humidity, wind direction and intensity) takes place according to standard procedures agreed internationally and performed at pre-established times. The preparation of the so-called "launch train", consisting of the balloon, the probe and the parachute, takes place completely automatically and the launch is "approved" by the specialized staff of the Air Force Meteorological Service once prior authorization is received from the Air Traffic Control service. This guarantees the highest level of safety for the conduct of this activity, minimizing interference with the flight activity in the area of the airport grounds from which the launch is made.