INTRODUCTION
The Aviatronics project deals with the development and testing of high-altitude fixed-wing drones. The drones will be electric and specialized in collecting atmospheric data in the tropopause, as a better and more environmentally friendly alternative to traditional weather balloons.
THE PROBLEM
Weather data is collected in large parts of the world with weather balloons. These balloons have a number of disadvantages both in relation to reusability but also in relation to the quality of measuring equipment. Weather balloons pop and fall to the ground when they reach a certain height in the atmosphere. This means that the measurement equipment mounted on the balloon will be destroyed. With the implementation of a high-flying drone, weather institutes can gather data with more accurate instruments without the need to replace expensive equipment.
CURRENT MISSION
The project's main goal right now is to prepare prototype 0 - "Plutus", which involves creating a collaboration between Aviatronics and various partners. In addition, the drone must be designed, produced and tested.
OBJECTIVE
The Aviatronics project works in the long term towards being able to replace weather balloons. This will create opportunities to quickly send more expensive instruments up into the tropopause or lower altitude with minimal chance of them being damaged, while at the same time collecting more accurate data.