Airborne Doppler lidar measurements

Abstract

This paper describes recent measurements using coherent Doppler lidars operating at a wavelength of 10.6 μm aboard the NASA Ames Convair 990. The purpose of the measurements was to obtain data on the atmospheric wind fields and the distribution of the backscatter coefficient at 10.6 μm. A description of the instruments is provided detailing the modifications incorporated following the 1981 test flights of the systems. The measurement program is outlined, and preliminary results are discussed.