Forward Scatter Sensor FD70

Unsurpassed sensitivity and reliable visibility measurement in all weather conditions.

FD70 is powerful technology that can potentially replace many separate sensors such as your visibility and present weather sensor, rain gauge, disdrometer, and freezing rain sensor. It can also outperform them in delivering highly accurate visibility and precipitation reporting in all weather conditions, as well as unsurpassed detection sensitivity and reliable identification of present weather.

The FD70 is engineered to meet WMO SYNOP reporting guidelines for precipitation and obscuration types. Its sensors excel with fast response times and the highest sensitivity to correctly detect and identify individual droplets. They provide accurate visibility measurement with proven calibration traceability and a range of up to 100 km (62 mi) and are the first sensors on the market that can reliably report a full range of present weather types including freezing precipitation.

Software version in production: v3.0

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MULTIPURPOSE APPLICATION

The FD70 is a factory-calibrated, plug-and-play sensor that can potentially replace many separate sensors such as your visibility and present weather sensor, rain gauge, disdrometer, and freezing rain sensor. It can function as a standalone unit, as an integral part of Vaisala systems, or with most third-party systems.

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ECONOMICAL & RELIABLE

The FD70 features rugged, modular design with no movable or consumable parts, which makes for quick repairs. Remote performance monitoring decreases trips into the field, while advanced self-diagnostics further decrease maintenance requirements.

Additionally, FD70 sensors feature look-down geometry and hood heating that protect against external contaminants and window contaminant compensation for consistent data quality in all conditions, along with professional software security to ensure data integrity.

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ADVANCED DETECTION

Vaisala’s pioneering sensor design provides constant, reference-grade performance unlike any other forward scatter technology — even for incidents of freezing rain, ice pellets, intense precipitation, or mixed precipitation.

State-of-the-art, forward scatter technology detects and analyzes current precipitation to identify type, intensity, accumulation, particle size and fall speed distributions with a visibility sensor range up to 100 km (62 mi) Meteorological Optical Range (MOR).

The high sensitivity of the FD70 sensor means it’s able to detect precipitation onset right from the first droplets, and it reacts quickly to meteorological visibility changes from 1m to 100km (3ft to 62mi).

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SINGLE-PARTICLE ANALYSIS

From the first signs of precipitation, the sensitivity of FD70 sensors quickly and reliably classify current precipitation type even for incidents of freezing rain, ice pellets, intense precipitation, and mixed precipitation. They also respond quickly with accurate, real-time data as conditions change.

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Industry Applications

Aviation

Ensure safe and efficient airport operations in any weather with our comprehensive selection of weather and runway management solutions.

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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.

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Get Started with Forward Scatter Sensor FD70 Today

Contact Vaisala to learn how fast response times and superior ability to identify even the smallest precipitation events can drastically improve your present weather reporting and help you make the best decisions — under even the most challenging weather conditions.