Vaisala Forward Scatter Sensor FD70
Unsurpassed precipitation sensitivity and reliable visibility measurement in all weather conditions.
Unsurpassed detection sensitivity
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: v3.8. This new software is available and complimentary to FD70 customers via HelpDesk.
Advanced precipitation 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).
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.
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.
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.
4 ways the Forward Scatter Sensor FD70 compares to human observation
| Perception | Human | FD70 |
| Identifying precipitation types | Human observation is often in close agreement with the FD70, though distinguishing between snow and mixed rain-snow for example can be more challenging. | Thanks to Vaisala’s patented measurement technology, FD70 can quickly identify mixed precipitation types such as rain and snow. High-resolution cameras have confirmed its accuracy in field tests. |
| Reporting rapid changes during an event | Studies show that with conventional sensors, in 40% of times when METAR reports are amended by a human observer, it is because of false present weather information. | Automatization is sometimes essential to reach operative needs, especially for rapidly-changing parameters. The FD70 can quickly identify and report in these conditions. |
| Droplet size classification | While precipitation is easy to identify in larger sizes, detecting type in smaller sizes becomes less accurate. | The FD70 accurately distinguishes between drizzle and rain, detecting all particles as small as 0.1mm |
| Pinpointing the onset and end of an event | The human eye can generally detect the onset and end of precipitation, but may miss precise timing | The FD70 never sleeps. It reports the beginning and end of an event from several minutes to more than half an hour earlier than human observation. |
Industry Applications
FD70 for Aviation
The best-in-class forward scatter technology to optimize airport operations and protect lives including runway visual range (RVR). The FD70 sets the standard in airport weather accuracy, detecting 100% of precipitation from the lightest drop to the end of the storm. See the complete line-up of aviation weather and runway management solutions ensuring safe and efficient airport operations in all conditions.
FD70 for Meteorology
Watch the webinar
Take an in-depth look at FD70 with our webinar on demand, including:
- Enhanced reporting capabilities in sand and dust obscuration, as well as freezing rain and drizzle detection
- Key innovations including single-particle analysis, unprecedented accuracy and reliability, comprehensive measurement and data security
- How FD70 enhances Auto-METAR reliability and provides the best-in-class Runway Visual Range (RVR) reporting
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Get Started with Forward Scatter Sensor FD70
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.
