Upper Air Sounding Systems

An upper air sounding system consists of instruments that measure atmospheric conditions at various altitudes. A balloon lifts a radiosonde into the atmosphere, and the sonde sends pressure, temperature, humidity and wind data to a ground station, which then converts the readings into vertical atmospheric profiles for weather forecasting and research.

When a radiosonde is tied to a standard weather balloon, it typically climbs to between 30 and 35 kilometers before the balloon bursts. During the flight, the device continuously transmits data, producing a complete atmospheric profile from the surface, through the troposphere, and into the stratosphere.

A radiosonde records pressure, temperature, humidity, and wind. A pilot sonde is a more basic device that measures solely wind speed and direction via GPS tracking. An ozone sonde is a dedicated payload carried alongside a radiosonde to assess the vertical distribution of ozone in the atmosphere.

A ground check system is used to verify that radiosonde sensors are accurate prior to launch. It compares the sonde's pressure, temperature, and humidity readings with calibrated reference instruments. This procedure guarantees that operators release only sondes that satisfy the defined tolerance limits. The verification step is required to preserve data quality in operational sounding networks.

The MIL grade ground system offers the same tracking and data processing capabilities as the standard version. It is produced to satisfy military environmental standards. The system includes ruggedized enclosures, can function over a broader temperature range, and is designed for transport. These features enable defense meteorological and artillery units to deploy the equipment in the field.

Yes. Sertel Electronics delivers full site installation, commissioning, operator training, and continuous technical support for all upper air sounding systems. Support comes directly from our Chennai facility and includes service coverage for meteorological, defence, and research customers throughout India and in international markets.