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 of 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 carrying instruments at constant altitudes, studying winds 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 out from 30 September 1946 to 1 October 1948.
Services to be furnished were as follows:
Research, investigation and engineering services in connection with obtaining and furnishing experimental data on pressure and temperature in the upper atmosphere, to involve the following:
a. The securing of constant level balloons under the following conditions:
(1) Initially a six to eight hour minimum time for 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 of oscillation to be such that it will not interfere with operation of balloon borne radio equipment.