Airliners to study weather

Press, 6 July 1985, Page 19

Airliners to study weather

Many wide-bodied passenger aircraft crossing over deserted regions of the globe away from the conventional routes of commerce are shortly to be fitted with computers to transmit vital data on atmospheric conditions in the upper altitudes. The information, which can save lives and money, will be communicated to weather forecasting centres worldwide through one of four meteorological satellites circling the earth. The project, which is about to be launched after many years of preparations, is to improve the safety of ships and

aircraft, encourage the development of inhospitable areas, and contribute to man’s understanding of the weather. All the initial participants in the project, brought together by the United Nations World Meteorological Organisation (W.M.0.) in Geneva, expect a substantial and quick return for their investment. They include Britain, Canada, the United States, Australia, and New Zealand which are concerned with navigation and shipping in the far north and far south of the globe, and Saudi Arabia which seeks to improve techniques for conquering

the deserts. Ultimately, the project will enhance commerce and development everywhere. It will also help airlines to save aviation fuel by plotting long-distance routes and save lives in emergencies by identifying the location of off-course or missing aircraft. A similar programme for ships is also being planned by the W.M.O. The projected data flow describing upper atmospheric conditions is expected to improve dramatically the accuracy of longer-term weather forecasts. Copyright — London Observer