Objectives: To overfly the ground instruments at Wallops. To
overfly the C131 during its profile over the ocean at Point A when it
is at low altitude. To overfly the cruise ship Meridian on its
approach to New York.
Meteorological Conditions: The area was clear of both clouds
and aerosols in the early morning, broken clouds at the TM overpass
(~11:00 LT), then clear conditions
and low humidity at Wallops.
Summary: The ER-2 take-off was
1648 UTC (1248 LT) and the flight
duration was 6 hours and 5 minutes.
The ER-2 was directed to fly perpendicular to the solar
plane at 14:30 LT at point (38 20' N and 74 00' W) in a racetrack
pattern separated by 6 n. mi. 4 loops were made. Then the ER-2
flew over the cruise ship at 38 10' N and 70 45' W, returning to Wallops
after a second pass over the Wallops sunphotometers.
Results: MAS and LASE collected good data. Interference with LASE
telemetry interupted much of the LASE real-time signal. Images
were nearly cloudless during the entire flight although there were
areas over land and ocean with limited altocumulus patches. Much clear,
clean sky data.
Auxillary Information: Two sunphotometers, shadowband,
optronics, and pyranometer at Wallops were operational during the
flight although one sunphotometer needs recalibration. Sondes were
launched at 10:00 and 14:30 LT. Raman lidar was opertational.
Sandy Hook NJ and Hampton Roads sunphotometers were
operational. Additional shadowband taking data at hampton Roads
site. Hog Island sunphotometer collected data on mainland at VCR
office parking lot.
Note images for tracks 2 thru 17 depict ocean sunglint
