Airborne instrumentation needs for climate and atmospheric research

The Atmospheric Radiation Measurement (ARM) Aerial Facilities (AAF) program and the Department of Atmospheric Sciences, University of Illinois cosponsored a workshop, Advances in Airborne Instrumentation for Measuring Aerosol, Cloud, Radiation, and Atmospheric State Parameters, in 2008. It focused on the need to develop new and improved observing methodologies for the acquisition of airborne data. The workshop covered several presentations on instrumentation for measuring aerosol properties, cloud microphysics, radiation fluxes, and state parameters using both in situ and remote sensing techniques. There was a special session on instruments for Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS). The participants focused on the need for developing modular instruments and smaller instruments that can be easily flown on a wider range of aircraft. The participants identified key areas where there are large uncertainties in aerosol and cloud microphysical observations.