Dropsonde RD41 This proven weather reconnaissance device captures atmospheric profiles from aircraft flight level to surface, vastly improving weather observations. Aircraft-Specific Design Aircraft-Specific Design Dropsonde RD41 is used for tropical cyclone reconnaissance and research, data acquisition over oceans as input for Numerical Weather Prediction (NWP) models, and to acquire data for meteorological research. Designed specifically for aircraft use, it descends through the atmosphere by parachute and measures the profiles of pressure, temperature, and relative humidity, and reads wind direction and speed data from the point of launch to the surface — to give you the data you need for accurate weather predictions and research. The RD41 is based on the same Vaisala sensors and unique measurement technology as the RS41 radiosonde, and offers the same renowned stability, high quality, and safety features. DOWNLOAD BROCHURE Key Features Key Features The RD41 is designed to obtain atmospheric profiling from aircraft from flight level to surface. The dropsonde is used to: Perform reconnaissance and research, data acquisition over oceans as input for Numerical Weather Prediction (NWP) models, and in various field campaigns Measure pressure, temperature, and humidity values, and to read wind direction and speed data from the point of launch to the surface Receive, display, and store data for further use via an Airborne Vertical Atmospheric Profiling System (AVAPS) onboard the aircraft Built by Vaisala under license from UCAR, the RD41 dropsonde, aircraft data system hardware, and software are designed by the Earth Observing Laboratory of the National Center for Atmospheric Research in Boulder, Colorado, USA. DOWNLOAD BROCHURE Receiving System Receiving System Onboard the aircraft, the RD41 Airborne Vertical Atmospheric Profiling System (AVAPS), also available from Vaisala, allows you to receive, display, and store meteorological data for further use. In-situ data is collected from the sensors and transmitted back in real time to an onboard aircraft data system via radio link. DOWNLOAD BROCHURE Industry Applications Meteorology Protect people and communities from the impacts of day-to-day and extreme weather with the industry's most accurate and reliable weather observation solutions. LEARN MORE Extend Your Atmospheric Profiling Capabilities We’ll show you how to make targeted observations in support of your weather forecasting and atmospheric research, and how to obtain impressive results. CONTACT US Resources MORE DOWNLOADS RD41 Product Support & Scientific Downloads Click here to explore additional product resources for RD41. READ MORE DATASHEET Dropsonde RD41 Explore how this instrument designed for measuring atmospheric profiles from aircraft provides accurate and critical meteorological data. DOWNLOAD PDF BROCHURE High Accuracy. Proven Reliability. Sounding Solutions. Learn why in today’s world, most atmospheric soundings are performed with Vaisala’s sounding equipment. DOWNLOAD PDF BLOG VAISALA-MANUFACTURED DROPSONDES GET AN EARLY-SEASON WORKOUT Discover how the US Air Force Reserve Hurricane Hunters used Vaisala’s sensor technology to investigate an area of disturbed weather near The Bahamas. READ MORE