1.
ABSTRACT
Systems of constant altitude balloons have been designed, developed,
tested and used in various types of atmospheric research. After
investigation and testing of several methods, a system comprising
ot a plastic fixed-volume balloon, electrically operated control
instrumentation, and liquid ballast was developed.
This system has been used on several series of flights for carr.r-
ing instruments at constant altitudes, studying lll.nds over long
periods at the 200 mb level, and investigation of neutron maxima.
Balloon launchings were carried out at various sites in the United
States by members of the project in coordination with representatives
of the sponsoring agency. Meteorological analysis of conditions
over selected stations in the Western Hemisphere as requested by
the sponsor was carried out by members .of the Department of
Meteorology of New York University.
A. Introduction and Statement of Problem
Contract W-28-099-ac-241 between Watson Laboratories AMC was
entered into on 1 November 1946 to be carried Ollt from 30
September 1946 to 1 October 1948.
Services to be f11I'nished were as follows:
Research, investigation and engineering services in
connection with obtaining and furnishing experimental
data on pressure and temperature in the npper atomosphere,
to involve the following:
a. The securing of constant level balloons under the
following conditions:
{1) Initially a six to eight hour minimum time
tor the balloon in air; eventually a forty-
eight hour time for balloon in air.
{2) The altitude to be attained by the balloon
will be 10 to 20 km,·adjustable at 2 km
intervals.
{3) Maintain elevation within 500 meters and the
frequency or oscillation to be such that it
will not interfere with operation or balloon
borne radio equipment.